Mary Washington Asparagus

Mary Washington Asparagus is a time-honored favorite, known for its high yield, reliability, and exceptional flavor. This heirloom variety has been a staple in home gardens for generations, prized for its thick, tender spears and strong disease resistance. Perfect for fresh eating, grilling, or roasting, Mary Washington produces beautiful green spears with purple tips. Once established, this perennial plant can provide bountiful harvests year after year, making it a long-term investment for any garden.

FROM FARMER MICHAEL

Asparagus is highly sought after by the consumer- and sells for high prices- also upick is popular. The biggest challenge is weeding- although mulching, weeder geese, or tillage is an option. 

SHIPS STARTING FEBRUARY 2025

Quick Facts:

• Included Growing Zone: Suitable for USDA Zones 3-8.
• Heirloom Variety: Mary Washington is an heirloom asparagus variety known for its exceptional flavor, productivity, and longevity.
• Highly Popular: Favored by gardeners for its high yields, tender spears, and excellent resistance to diseases such as fusarium crown rot and asparagus rust.
• Heat Tolerant: This variety thrives in both cool and warm climates, showing remarkable tolerance to heat, making it suitable for a range of growing conditions.
• Health Benefits: Asparagus is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, and fiber. It is a natural diuretic and is known for supporting digestive health, heart health, and providing antioxidants.
• Flavor Profile & Uses: Thick, tender spears with a rich, earthy flavor. Perfect for fresh eating, grilling, roasting, and steaming.
• Harvest Time: Perennial: Once established, expect early spring harvests starting in the second or third year after planting.

History:

Mary Washington Asparagus has been a trusted choice for over a century. Developed in the early 20th century for its superior quality and disease resistance, this variety continues to be a reliable choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Its enduring popularity is due to its flavorful spears and its ability to thrive in a wide range of growing conditions.

Growing Guide:

• Bare Root Crowns (Large Graded): Your Mary Washington Asparagus will arrive as large-graded bare root crowns, ensuring strong, healthy plants for your garden. Keep crowns cool and moist until planting.
• Soil and Location: Plant your Mary Washington Asparagus in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun exposure. Asparagus thrives in rich soil and can remain productive for many years. Space crowns 12-18 inches apart in rows 5-7 ft apart, allowing ample room for growth.
• Watering and Care: Water regularly during the first year to ensure proper establishment. Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds. After harvest, allow the ferns to grow and nourish the crowns for the following year. Fertilize and maintain weed control to keep your asparagus bed healthy and productive.
• Harvesting: Begin harvesting spears in the second or third year. Only harvest for a few weeks during the early years, extending the season as plants mature.

Non-GMO Commitment:

At Growing Farmers and The Farm on Central, we ensure that all of our plants are guaranteed non-GMO. We promote sustainable gardening practices and adhere to natural breeding methods, ensuring that your Mary Washington Asparagus is free from genetic modification.

Growing Method: Growing Method: Conventionally Grown, to ensure disease free planting crowns.

Mary Washington Asparagus is the ideal addition to any garden, offering reliable, long-term harvests of flavorful spears. With excellent resistance to fusarium crown rot, asparagus rust, and other diseases, as well as heat tolerance, you'll enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich asparagus from your garden for many years to come!