Mary Washington Asparagus salad on a black plate on a white background.
An asparagus salad made with Marry Washington Asparagus on a white background.
Chopped and whole Mary Washington Asparagus with dip on an asparagus plate.
Mary Washington Asparagus In a black and white bowl on a gold background.
Cut and whole Mary Washington Asparagus being prepared for cooking.
Mary Washington Asparagus salad on a black plate on a white background.
An asparagus salad made with Marry Washington Asparagus on a white background.
Chopped and whole Mary Washington Asparagus with dip on an asparagus plate.
Mary Washington Asparagus In a black and white bowl on a gold background.
Cut and whole Mary Washington Asparagus being prepared for cooking.

Asparagus Seeds,
Mary Washington

4.518 ReviewsSKU: #AS101Min. seed count: 100
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
Save $-3
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

(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 trialled 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.

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.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Asparagus officinalis
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 3–8
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–21
Days to Maturity
730
Planting Depth
½ in. (seeds); 6–8 in. (crowns)
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost, or sow directly in late spring once the soil has warmed to 70 to 75 F. 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 ½ inch deep in seed trays or outdoor beds. Transplant after hardening off when seedlings are 10 to 12 weeks old. Plant crowns or seedlings in trenches 6 to 8 inches deep, spaced 12 to 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 to 8 weeks.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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. Seed-grown asparagus needs two full seasons with the ferns left undisturbed to build a strong root system; take only a light harvest of 2 to 3 weeks of spears in the third year, and cut a full season after that. That patience is what lets a bed produce reliable harvests for decades.

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.

Browse our full range of asparagus seeds.
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout.
You may also like