{"product_id":"mary-washington-asparagus-seeds-heirloom-vegetable-garden-plant-100-seeds","title":"Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds – Heirloom Vegetable Garden Plant (100 Seeds)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMary Washington Asparagus is a classic heirloom variety prized by home gardeners for its thick, tender spears and robust flavor. This perennial vegetable returns year after year, making it a rewarding long-term investment for any edible garden. The vigorous plants produce uniform, dark green spears that are perfect for steaming, roasting, or grilling. Whether you are starting a new asparagus bed or expanding an existing one, Mary Washington offers reliable performance and a generous harvest when given proper care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a perennial, asparagus requires patience but rewards growers with decades of productivity. Mary Washington is known for its adaptability and disease resistance, thriving in a range of climates. The fern-like foliage that emerges after harvest adds texture and height to the garden, turning a golden yellow in autumn. This heirloom variety has been a favorite since the early 1900s and remains a top choice for homesteaders and market growers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom variety introduced in 1913, known for reliability and flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces thick, tender green spears with a rich, sweet taste\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerennial growth habit; plants can produce for 15–20 years or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisease-resistant and adaptable to various soil types\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive fern-like foliage adds ornamental value to the garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Asparagus officinalis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of pH but prefers 6.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, fern-like stalks reaching 3–5 feet tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not applicable; harvested for spears in spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing; germinate at 70–85°F in 2–8 weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–18 inches apart in rows 3–4 feet apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart Mary Washington asparagus seeds indoors 8–12 weeks before the last frost. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, then sow ¼ inch deep in a sterile seed-starting mix. Keep the medium consistently moist and provide bottom heat for best germination. Once seedlings have several fern-like leaves and all danger of frost has passed, harden them off gradually before transplanting into a permanent bed. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, amending with compost or aged manure. Plant crowns 6–8 inches deep and space 12–18 inches apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAsparagus is a long-term crop; do not harvest spears until the second or third year after planting to allow the root system to establish. During the growing season, keep the bed weed-free and water regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after harvest. In late fall, cut back the dead foliage to ground level and mulch with compost or straw to protect the crowns over winter. With proper care, your Mary Washington asparagus bed will provide a bountiful harvest for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 Mary Washington Asparagus seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67739796177206,"sku":"EDNA-659","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.8036216262_3et7.jpg?v=1792116075","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/mary-washington-asparagus-seeds-heirloom-vegetable-garden-plant-100-seeds","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}