Asparagus – Mary Washington

A heritage variety grown since the late 1940s, Mary Washington asparagus produces a vigorous, disease-resistant plant. Perennial plant with fine, wispy foliage about 1-1.5 meters tall. Allow 3 years before the first asparagus harvest; the plant will then produce for the next 15 to 20 years.

Growing Tips

Germination conditions:

sowing depth: 1 cm (sow at 2 cm for direct seeding)

optimal temperatures for germination: 21 to 29 ºC

time for germination: 14 to 21 days

soak seeds for 2 to 24 hours in warm water at room temperature to accelerate germination

When to sow:

Indoor sowing 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area OR

direct seeding when the soil can be worked in the spring or early fall

Sowing technique: in line

Draw a line in the ground (in a pot or in the ground), then sow the seeds in it.

Transplant outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

when the soil can be worked

Distance in the garden the 1st year:

between plants: 15 to 30 cm

between rows: 45 cm

Distance in the garden the 2nd year:

between plants: 45 to 60 cm

between rows: 90 cm

Plant height: 100 to 150 cm

Soil: deep, loose, well drained and rich

Exposure: full sun or light shade

Days to harvest: from the 3rd year

Specificities:

Do not harvest the shoots before the 3rd year allows the plant to become well established. After the 3rd spring, cut the shoots daily when they reach 15-20 cm with a knife until they are thinner and thinner; they are then left in place until the next year to give energy to the plant.

Asparagus likes phosphorus-rich soils, places sheltered from high winds and where snow accumulates. Cut back dead stems in the spring. Add compost annually.

Mulch to avoid weeding and drought (optional)

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±75

Difficulty: Hard

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Perennial

Additional information

Weight            1.5 g

Difficulty         

Hard

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle        

Perennial

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Winter, Spring, Fall