Asparagus Mary Washington is the gold standard heirloom variety for home gardeners and small-scale growers seeking reliable, long-term production. This non-GMO cultivar is prized for its vigorous growth and exceptional yield potential, delivering thick, tender spears year after year once established. As a perennial crop, Mary Washington plants mature into productive crowns that continue producing for 10–15 years with proper care — making it one of the best long-term investments for permanent garden beds. Spears are uniform in size, excellent for fresh eating and preservation, and develop rich flavor when harvested at peak tenderness. Note: asparagus takes approximately 3 years from seed to first harvest — patience is rewarded with decades of production.

Germination Rate: 87%. Test Date: 10/25. TLM.

Why Choose Asparagus Mary Washington?

• Heirloom Seed: Passed down through generations for at least 75 years for reliable harvests and authentic flavor.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA structure has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.
• 10–15 Year Perennial Harvest: Plant once — harvest for decades. Mary Washington crowns produce abundant spears year after year with proper care.
• Gold Standard Heirloom: The most trusted and widely grown asparagus variety for home gardens for over 75 years.
• Thick, Tender Spears: Uniform, flavorful spears ideal for fresh eating, roasting, grilling, steaming, canning, and freezing.
• Long-Term Garden Investment: One of the most rewarding perennial vegetables a home gardener can grow — a permanent bed that pays off for years.

Planting Tips for Success

• When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after last frost when 10–12 inches tall.
• Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours per day for best crown development and spear production.
• Soil: Deep, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Asparagus roots grow deep — prepare beds to at least 12 inches.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep indoors. Transplant seedlings to a trench 6–8 inches deep outdoors.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 4–5 feet apart. Asparagus needs room to spread as crowns expand over the years.
• Establishment Years: Year 1 and 2 — allow ferns to grow fully to build strong root crowns. Do not harvest spears during establishment years.
• First Harvest: Year 3: harvest spears for 2–3 weeks only. Year 4+: harvest for 6–8 weeks per season as crowns mature.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Mature beds are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during spear production.
• Support: Tall fern growth (3–5 ft) may need staking in windy areas to prevent crown damage.
• Fertilizing: Top-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer each spring before spears emerge and again after the final harvest.
• Harvesting: Cut spears at ground level when 6–8 inches tall and before tips begin to open. Stop harvesting when spears thin to pencil-size to allow ferns to develop.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Roasting: Toss spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper — roast at 425°F for 12–15 minutes for caramelized, tender asparagus with crispy tips.
• Grilling: Grill over medium-high heat for 4–6 minutes, turning once — finish with lemon juice and shaved parmesan for a classic preparation.
• Steaming: Steam whole spears for 4–6 minutes for a clean, tender side dish — serve with butter, hollandaise, or a simple vinaigrette.
• Sautéing: Sauté in olive oil with garlic and shallots for 5–7 minutes over medium-high heat for a quick, flavorful side.
• Freezing: Blanch spears for 2–3 minutes, cool in ice water, and freeze for a year-round supply of garden-fresh asparagus.

Order Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds Today

Order yours today and plant a perennial asparagus bed that will reward you with fresh spears for 10–15 years.

Nutritional Information

Per ½ cup (90g) cooked asparagus spears (harvested spears, not planting seeds):

• Calories: 20
• Total Fat: 0.2g (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 13mg (1% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 3.7g (1% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1.8g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1.2g
• Protein: 2.2g
• Folate: 134mcg (34% Daily Value)
• Vitamin K: 45.5mcg (38% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 7.5mg (8% Daily Value)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, soil preparation, and gardening practices.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored asparagus seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8. Mary Washington asparagus requires a winter dormancy period for best long-term crown health and is not recommended for Zone 9+ without a cold treatment. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific planting guidance.
• Long-Term Commitment: Asparagus is a perennial crop requiring 2–3 years of establishment before the first harvest. Do not harvest spears during the first two growing seasons to allow crowns to develop fully.

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