UC 72 Asparagus (Mary's Grandaughter) seeds
UC 72 asparagus, also known as Mary's Granddaughter, is a superior variety of the classic Mary Washington asparagus, developed at the University of California, Davis. This exceptional variety is renowned for its high yields of thick, dark green spears with tightly compact heads. UC 72 asparagus boasts an impressive tolerance to Fusarium wilt and rust, making it a reliable choice for both home gardeners and market growers. It's also more heat and drought tolerant compared to other asparagus varieties, ensuring successful harvests even in challenging conditions.
This perennial vegetable is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering delicious and nutritious spears for many years to come. While it may take 2-3 years to reach full production, UC 72 asparagus can continue to bear for 15-20 years. Plant the crowns in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and enjoy the fruits (or rather, spears!) of your labor for years to come. With its exceptional flavor, disease resistance, and resilience, UC 72 asparagus is a true garden champion.
Seed count: 100
Botanic name:
Asparagus officinalis
Plant spacing:
18" - 24" apart
4-5' for rows
Color:
Dark Green stalks
Sowing depth:
1/2"
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
UC 72 asparagus is prized for its thick, tender spears and excellent flavor, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. To best utilize this delicious vegetable, harvest spears when they reach about 8-10 inches tall, snapping them off at the base. Enjoy them fresh, lightly steamed or sautéed as a simple side dish that lets their natural flavors shine. UC 72 is also perfect for grilling, roasting, and incorporating into stir-fries, frittatas, and pasta dishes. Don't forget about preserving! Freezing or pickling your abundant harvest allows you to savor the taste of UC 72 asparagus year-round.
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:
Drought and Fusarium Wilt
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.
