Mary Washington Asparagus seeds
Mary Washington Asparagus seeds produce a hardy vegetable that flourishes in climates ranging from zone three to nine, offering accessibility to gardeners in various regions. This classic variety features both male and female stalks and demonstrates exceptional resilience against rust fungi, a prevalent challenge for other asparagus types. Cultivating Mary Washington Asparagus demands patience, as it typically requires two to three years before yielding high-quality spears. Nevertheless, the gratification of enjoying tender, homegrown asparagus harvested from your own garden makes the wait worthwhile.
Seed count: 100
Botanic name:
Asparagus officinalis
Plant spacing:
8"-14" apart
Color:
Bright green stalks
Sowing depth:
1/2"
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
One classic approach is to steam or blanch the asparagus until just tender, then serve it as a vibrant side dish drizzled with melted butter or a splash of lemon juice. Our personal favorite is to steam the stalks and cover them with a tasty Hollindaise sauce. Alternatively, toss the spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they develop a slightly crispy exterior, enhancing their natural sweetness. For a more indulgent option, wrap the asparagus in bacon slices and grill or bake until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender—a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Additionally, consider incorporating chopped asparagus into pasta dishes, omelets, or quiches for a delightful springtime twist.
Frost Hardy:
Yes
Maturity days:
2-3 years
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes. Use a large container that is at least 60 liters.
Other names:
-
Disease / Pest:
Resistance to Rust Fungi
Growing Instructions:
How to Grow Asparagus from Seed and Care for Transplanted Seedlings
Seed Preparation & Starting:
Soaking: Soak asparagus seeds in warm water for 24 hours to improve germination rates.
Starting Indoors:
Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost (in Colorado Springs, this is typically around mid-April).
Containers & Soil: Use seed starting trays or individual pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix.
Planting: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Temperature: Maintain a warm temperature of 70-85°F for optimal germination. Use a heating mat if necessary.
Light: Provide plenty of light once seedlings emerge. A sunny windowsill or grow lights work well.
Transplanting Seedlings:
Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are 10-12 weeks old and all danger of frost has passed. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F.
Site Preparation:
Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Asparagus prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0-6.8.
Soil Amendment: Incorporate plenty of organic matter like compost into the soil before planting.
Spacing: Plant seedlings 18 inches apart in rows spaced 3-6 feet apart.
Transplanting Process:
Digging the Trench: Dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system of the seedlings.
Creating Mounds: Create mounds of soil in the trench, spacing them 18 inches apart.
Planting:
Place each seedling on a mound, spreading the roots out gently.
The crown of the plant (where the roots and shoots meet) should be about 2 inches below the soil surface.
Backfill the trench with soil, covering the crowns completely.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Transplanted Asparagus
Watering:
Regular Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil has good drainage.
Weeding:
Regular Weeding: Keep the asparagus bed weed-free, as weeds compete for nutrients and water.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Fertilizing:
Spring Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, following the package instructions.
Additional Fertilizing: You can also fertilize again in mid-summer after the harvest season.
First Year Care:
No Harvesting: Do not harvest any spears during the first year after transplanting. This allows the plants to establish strong root systems.
Fern Growth: Allow the ferns to grow throughout the summer. They will produce energy for the following year's harvest.
Fall Cleanup: In the fall, cut the ferns back to a few inches above the ground after they have turned brown.
Subsequent Years:
Harvesting: You can begin harvesting spears in the second year, but limit the harvest to a few weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest for a longer period, typically 6-8 weeks.
Ongoing Care: Continue to water, weed, fertilize, and mulch the asparagus bed as needed.
Additional Tips
Patience is key: Asparagus takes a few years to establish and reach full production. Be patient and provide consistent care.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests and diseases and take action if necessary. Common asparagus pests include asparagus beetles and aphids.
Perennial Crop: Asparagus is a perennial crop that can produce for many years with proper care.
