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An aparagus salad made with Marry Washington Asparagus on a dark background.

Asparagus Seeds, Mary Washington

Name: Asparagus Seeds, Mary Washington
SKU: AS101
Price: 3 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (17 reviews)

4.5

17 Reviews

Sku:

#AS101

Min. seed count:

100

$3.00

(Asparagus officinalis). Easy to grow, disease resistant and delicious, Mary Washington has been the absolute gold standard for green asparagus varieties for the last century. During the early 1900s a fungal disease called Asparagus Rust travelled from Europe to the Americas, ravaging the U.S. asparagus crop. Plant explorer and breeder J.B. Norton, who worked at the USDA and with a group of Massachusetts asparagus growers, collected seeds from all over the East Coast and in Europe. He trialed countless varieties, using advanced statistical data to find successful varieties and ended up with a group of resistant asparagus types that he called Washington. ‘Mary Washington’ showed to be incredibly vigorous, and resistant to the rust. His achievement was hailed as a huge success for asparagus breeding. This scrumptious and reliable heirloom has rightly reigned supreme in gardens and on farms since it was introduced in 1919. Norton went on to dedicate the remainder of his career to breeding work with the Pedigreed Seed Company, which specialized in, you guessed it, asparagus.

Perennial in zones 3-8
Sprouts in 10–21 days
Days to first harvest: 730+ days (2–3 years)
Full sun
Planting depth: 1/2 inch (seeds); 6–8 inches (crowns)
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 inches
Ideal temperature: 60°F to 85°F
Frost hardy? Yes

Growing Tips

Mary Washington is a classic heirloom asparagus variety known for its robust flavor, uniform green spears, and cold tolerance. It produces reliable harvests for decades with proper care and thrives in well-drained beds enriched with organic matter.

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before your last frost or sow directly in early spring when the soil is workable. Establishing from seed takes time, but results in strong, productive plants. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in seed trays or outdoor beds. Transplant after hardening off when seedlings are 10–12 weeks old. Plant crowns or seedlings in trenches 6–8 inches deep, spaced 12–18 inches apart in rows.

How to Grow

Water regularly during establishment and keep beds weed-free. Do not harvest spears the first year; allow ferns to grow and build root strength. In year two, harvest lightly, and by year three, harvest fully for 6–8 weeks.

How to Save

Allow selected ferns to flower and develop berries in year two or beyond
Harvest red berries when fully ripe in late summer or fall
Remove seeds from pulp and rinse clean
Dry seeds thoroughly on a screen or paper towel
Store in a cool, dry, airtight container away from direct light

FAQ

Can I harvest Mary Washington asparagus the first year?
No, harvesting too early can weaken young plants. Allow ferns to grow undisturbed the first season to help build a strong root system for long-term productivity in future seasons.

Is Mary Washington asparagus good for cold climates?
Yes, this variety is particularly well-suited to colder regions. Its proven hardiness allows it to overwinter reliably, coming back strong each spring with flavorful, tender spears.

What makes Mary Washington different from modern hybrids?
Mary Washington is an open-pollinated heirloom, known for its reliability and traditional flavor. While not as high-yielding as modern hybrids, it offers better seed-saving potential and strong adaptability.

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