Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds – Heirloom Vegetable Garden Plant (100 Seeds)

Mary 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.

As 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.

Plant Features

• Heirloom variety introduced in 1913, known for reliability and flavor
• Produces thick, tender green spears with a rich, sweet taste
• Perennial growth habit; plants can produce for 15–20 years or more
• Disease-resistant and adaptable to various soil types
• Attractive fern-like foliage adds ornamental value to the garden

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
• Plant Type: Perennial vegetable
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of pH but prefers 6.5–7.5
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright, fern-like stalks reaching 3–5 feet tall
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
• Bloom Season: Not applicable; harvested for spears in spring
• Mature Height: 3–5 feet
• Germination Requirements: Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing; germinate at 70–85°F in 2–8 weeks
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart in rows 3–4 feet apart

Planting & Care

Start 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.

Asparagus 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.

What's Included

100 Mary Washington Asparagus seeds.