UC-72 Asparagus, commonly known as Mary’s Granddaughter, is a superior heirloom variety developed through decades of selective breeding for outstanding commercial and home garden performance. These non-GMO seeds produce vigorous crowns that yield exceptionally uniform, dark green spears measuring 6–12 inches in length with characteristically compact, tight heads and consistent ½-inch diameter — premium presentation for market growers and home gardeners alike. UC-72 demonstrates remarkable resilience across diverse growing conditions, with exceptional heat and drought tolerance once established and documented resistance to Fusarium Wilt and Rust — two of asparagus’s most persistent pathogens. A perennial powerhouse that rewards patience: UC-72 takes approximately 3 years from seed to first harvest, then produces for 10–15 years.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 9/25. WILL.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 70%.

Why Choose UC-72 Asparagus?

• Superior Uniformity: Consistently produces dark green, 6–12 inch spears with tight heads and ½-inch diameter — premium quality for fresh markets and home kitchens.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Exceptional resilience in warm climates once established — an outstanding choice for Southern and high-heat gardens where standard asparagus struggles.
• Disease Resistant: Documented resistance to Fusarium Wilt and Rust — two of asparagus’s most damaging pathogens — for lower-maintenance, longer-lived beds.
• 10–15 Year Perennial Harvest: Plant once — harvest for decades. UC-72 crowns produce abundant spears year after year with proper care.
• Mary’s Granddaughter: A direct descendant of Mary Washington — carrying the trusted heirloom lineage with improved performance characteristics.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations — save seeds year after year to sustain your asparagus bed.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours per day — for best crown development and spear production.
• Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Asparagus roots grow deep — prepare beds to at least 12 inches.
• Starting from Seed: Start seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after last frost when 10–12 inches tall.
• Establishing Crowns: 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.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 4–5 feet apart. Asparagus needs room to spread as crowns expand over the years.
• Watering: UC-72 is heat and drought tolerant once established, but benefits from consistent moisture during spear production and establishment years.
• 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 UC-72 Asparagus Seeds Today

Order yours today and plant a perennial asparagus bed that will reward you with premium spears for 10–15 years — it takes about 3 years to the first harvest, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested asparagus spears, not seeds. Per ½ cup cooked asparagus, approx. 90g.)

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

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. Refrigeration in an airtight container extends viability. Properly stored asparagus seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8. UC-72’s heat and drought tolerance makes it better suited for warmer zones than standard asparagus, but still requires winter dormancy for crown health. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific 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.

At David's Garden Seeds®, we take pride in bringing you heirloom seeds you can trust — grown with integrity, backed by decades of experience, and selected for home gardeners who care about what they grow and what they eat. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your garden.