Growing Mary Washington Asparagus Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Mary Eashington Asparagus from Seed
Asparagus is a long-term perennial vegetable that requires planning, patience, and dedication yet is always worth the wait. Asparagus is notorious for not being ready for harvest until its third year but, once established, will produce seasonal spears for several decades. At any time while growing asparagus, spears can be whitened or "blanched" by limiting sun exposure, creating a uniquely flavorful variety devoid of the grassy, earthy chlorophyll notes of a green crop.
Asparagus is a perennial crop that requires three years before a harvest but, like a fruit tree, will produce for several decades. Seeds are best started indoors 8-10 weeks before the final spring frost. Sow 2-3 seeds 1/2" deep per cell or peat pot into light, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0. Transplant after 10-12 weeks once all danger of frost has passed. In the garden, dig a 6-12" deep and 18" wide trench for transplants. Spread a 1" layer of compost at the bottom of the trench before filling with soil. As mentioned, asparagus requires three years until harvest but will produce for more than twenty years when established.
Mary Washington Asparagus in the Vegetable Garden
Mary Washington Asparagus is a hardy garden vegetable whose seeds can be initially sown indoors, between mid-February and May. Using a one and a half inch deep pot, sow the Asparagus seeds half an inch deep and two inches apart. After ten to twelve weeks, you can transplant the Asparagus starts outdoors in your vegetable garden, so long as there is no frost. In your garden, dig a six to twelve inch deep, eighteen inch wide trench. Spreading a one inch layer of compost at the bottom of the trench is recommended. Cover the crowns with soil. As the Asparagus crowns grow, keep them covered with soil and give one inch of water a week. Take care not to give too much water, as soil that stays wet can cause the roots to rot and will produce brown, soft spears.
During the first year, you must exercise patience and resist the temptation to harvest. In the second year, you may harvest the Asparagus spears for two weeks when they are the thickness of a pencil. The following year, increase harvesting to four weeks. After that, you may harvest for eight weeks.
Harvesting Mary Washinton Asparagus
In the third year, harvest young asparagus spears with a sharp knife at the base once they have reached 7-9" tall and about the thickness of a pencil. Harvest often to encourage further growth. More established plants will have a harvest season of about 8 weeks while younger plants may have a window of 4 weeks. After the harvest, plants will sprout asparagus greens to restore lost energy to the roots. These asparagus greens are widely used by florists as an ornamental filler.
About Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds
Asparagus is a member of the lily family and is one of the first vegetables ready to harvest in the spring. It originated near the Mediterranean Sea and was considered a delicacy by the ancient Greeks.
Mary Washington is a very strong growing and productive strain producing long, thick spears in May and June depending on your season. A rust resistant variety. Fresh or suitable for freezing.
Sow outdoors in mid spring in a rich, loose seed bed. It is recommend that you soak the seeds for 48 hours in warm water before sowing 2in deep, 3in apart in rows 12in apart. Germination is slow so be patient. Seeds can also be started in the greenhouse or kitchen.
Really think about where your asparagus will go because most beds can last from 20 to 30 years. For this reason, asparagus should be planted at the side or end of the garden, where it will not be disturbed by normal year to year cultivation. It is also wise to really prepare this bed well because you will want to leave it undisturbed for a few seasons till it establishes.
1929 Steele Briggs Seed Co. says...
"A Rust-resisting Asparagus. Marvelously productive. The most vigorous of all existing kinds. Yields a crop two years ahead of all other varieties; rust-resistant; largest, sweetest, most tender, and succulent shoots. We strongly recommend this variety for planting in the home-garden or on the farm."
Asparagus has been grown in American gardens since the earliest settlements were established. However, it was not until after 1850-1860 that asparagus was planted commercially.
