Asparagus Seeds - Mary Washington

Product Description

 The Mary Washington Asparagus is a popular old heirloom variety that produces vigorous, uniform spears with a sweet, nutty flavor. Asparagus plants are perennials that can easily produce for 20+ years, so give this vegetable a permanent and sunny spot in your garden. To ensure many years of future production, wait until the second year to cut and consume the spears. 

• Early producer
• Cold hardy, but protect from frost
• Easy to care for, once established
• Beautiful fern-like foliage lingers after harvest

Asparagus can be considered a power food among veggies. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, delivering a more complete balance than any other. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin A, B6 and C, as well as iron, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine. It is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, contains no fat, no cholesterol and has only 20 calories per 1/2 cup serving.

An established bed of 25 asparagus plants will produce about 10 pounds of asparagus per year.

Mary Washington Heirloom Asparagus produces dark green shoots with a purple tinge near the top. Asparagus is harvested in late spring.

It takes three years for asparagus to establish itself. Please don't pick before then! Asparagus takes a while to establish a root system & picking before hand can weaken your plants.

Sun Requirements: Best in Full Sun

Soil Preference: Rich, well draining garden soil (balanced pH). All soil amendments should be made before planting, as Asparagus is a deep rooted perennial. 

When to Plant:  Plant seeds indoors about 12 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant outside after all risk of frost has passed, hardening off first.

How to Plant: Dig an 8 - 10 inch deep trench & plant young Asparagus plants at the bottom. Back-fill this trench as they grow during the first season & keep area weed-free. Mulch with straw in the Fall to protect against the cold.

When to Harvest: It takes three years for asparagus to establish itself. Please don't pick before then! Asparagus takes a while to establish a root system & picking before hand can weaken your plants.

How to Harvest:  Snap off Asparagus spears where they "want" to break naturally. Below this point, they will likely be woody.