Item Number: FV203
Asparagus Mary Washington
Asparagus Mary Washington
A timeless favorite for tender spears.
Mary Washington asparagus is a classic variety cherished for its tender, flavorful spears and dependable performance. This perennial plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, offering consistent harvests each spring. Known for its resistance to rust and other common asparagus diseases, Mary Washington is a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its sweet, mild flavor makes it ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or incorporating into recipes. With its heritage status and reliable productivity, Mary Washington asparagus is a must-have for any vegetable garden. This is the most popular U.S. variety of asparagus, the standard commercial strain. It is resistant to some rust and blight and offers a cutting season of six weeks. Produces long straight spears with tight tips. Mary Washington asparagus crowns are long lived and well adapted to West Coast conditions. Mary Washington is the hardiest asparagus strain tested by our supplier.
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9
Asparagus prefers a sweet soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.2
Taste is sweet and nutty
Harvest April to May
10 root crowns per bundle
Note: Do not be alarmed if there is small amounts of bluish-white mold on your rootstock, this is absolutely normal. It occurs from the cold storage process used to keep the plants dormant. This mold can be wiped off and will not affect the health of the plant. However, if the plants are rotten and/or mushy, please give us a call.
Planting asparagus can be a rewarding and delicious addition to any garden. Asparagus Mary Washington is a standard commercial strain and popular U.S. variety known for its long, straight spears with tight tips, making it a preferred choice for many gardeners.
Here's a guide to successfully grow asparagus:
Soil Preparation:
Asparagus prefers well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.8 to 7.2. Aim for a sweet soil composition to support healthy growth.
Before planting, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by incorporating compost or aged manure. This helps provide essential nutrients for robust asparagus development.
Planting:
Asparagus is typically grown from crowns, which are the root systems of the plant. Plant crowns in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, to allow for ample time for establishment before the growing season.
Dig trenches around 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Space crowns around 12 to 18 inches apart within the trenches to ensure adequate room for growth.
Place crowns in the trenches with the roots spread out and cover them with about 2 inches of soil. As the plants grow, gradually fill in the trenches to cover the crowns completely.
Planting in a raised bed with full sun can provide an optimal space for a small home addition to the garden
Care and Maintenance:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the initial growing period. Asparagus requires regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
Mulch the bed with a layer of organic material, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilize asparagus with a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring before spears emerge to provide necessary nutrients for vigorous growth. Composted manure can be great for this.
Avoid harvesting asparagus spears during the first two years after planting to allow the plants to establish strong root systems. This patience ensures healthier yields in subsequent years.
Monitor Soil temperatures an ideal soil temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is preferred.
Harvesting:
Asparagus Mary Washington typically has a cutting season lasting around 6 weeks, typically from April to May. Begin harvesting spears when they reach around 6 to 8 inches tall in height and are as thick as your finger.
Cut spears at ground level using a sharp knife or garden shears. Harvest regularly, but avoid over-harvesting to allow the remaining spears to develop fully.
Once the cutting season ends, allow the remaining spears to grow and mature into fern-like foliage. These ferns will replenish the plant's energy reserves for the next growing season.
Pest and Disease Management:
Asparagus is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally face challenges such as rust and blight. Monitor plants regularly for signs of pest infestation or disease symptoms and take appropriate measures to address them promptly.
Keep your garden healthy by removing any diseased or damaged leaves and properly getting rid of them to stop pests and diseases from spreading.
Overall, growing asparagus can be a fulfilling experience for gardeners, providing a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious spears. With proper care and attention to soil preparation, planting, and maintenance, you can enjoy a thriving asparagus patch for years to come.
For more information, please enjoy our Growing Guide for planting and growing asparagus.
Browse our collection of asparagus.
Check Your Zone Compatibility:
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Description
Description
Mary Washington asparagus is a classic variety cherished for its tender, flavorful spears and dependable performance. This perennial plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, offering consistent harvests each spring. Known for its resistance to rust and other common asparagus diseases, Mary Washington is a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its sweet, mild flavor makes it ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or incorporating into recipes. With its heritage status and reliable productivity, Mary Washington asparagus is a must-have for any vegetable garden. This is the most popular U.S. variety of asparagus, the standard commercial strain. It is resistant to some rust and blight and offers a cutting season of six weeks. Produces long straight spears with tight tips. Mary Washington asparagus crowns are long lived and well adapted to West Coast conditions. Mary Washington is the hardiest asparagus strain tested by our supplier.
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9
Asparagus prefers a sweet soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.2
Taste is sweet and nutty
Harvest April to May
10 root crowns per bundle
Note: Do not be alarmed if there is small amounts of bluish-white mold on your rootstock, this is absolutely normal. It occurs from the cold storage process used to keep the plants dormant. This mold can be wiped off and will not affect the health of the plant. However, if the plants are rotten and/or mushy, please give us a call.
Planting asparagus can be a rewarding and delicious addition to any garden. Asparagus Mary Washington is a standard commercial strain and popular U.S. variety known for its long, straight spears with tight tips, making it a preferred choice for many gardeners.
Here's a guide to successfully grow asparagus:
Soil Preparation:
Asparagus prefers well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.8 to 7.2. Aim for a sweet soil composition to support healthy growth.
Before planting, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by incorporating compost or aged manure. This helps provide essential nutrients for robust asparagus development.
Planting:
Asparagus is typically grown from crowns, which are the root systems of the plant. Plant crowns in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, to allow for ample time for establishment before the growing season.
Dig trenches around 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Space crowns around 12 to 18 inches apart within the trenches to ensure adequate room for growth.
Place crowns in the trenches with the roots spread out and cover them with about 2 inches of soil. As the plants grow, gradually fill in the trenches to cover the crowns completely.
Planting in a raised bed with full sun can provide an optimal space for a small home addition to the garden
Care and Maintenance:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the initial growing period. Asparagus requires regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
Mulch the bed with a layer of organic material, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilize asparagus with a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring before spears emerge to provide necessary nutrients for vigorous growth. Composted manure can be great for this.
Avoid harvesting asparagus spears during the first two years after planting to allow the plants to establish strong root systems. This patience ensures healthier yields in subsequent years.
Monitor Soil temperatures an ideal soil temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is preferred.
Harvesting:
Asparagus Mary Washington typically has a cutting season lasting around 6 weeks, typically from April to May. Begin harvesting spears when they reach around 6 to 8 inches tall in height and are as thick as your finger.
Cut spears at ground level using a sharp knife or garden shears. Harvest regularly, but avoid over-harvesting to allow the remaining spears to develop fully.
Once the cutting season ends, allow the remaining spears to grow and mature into fern-like foliage. These ferns will replenish the plant's energy reserves for the next growing season.
Pest and Disease Management:
Asparagus is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally face challenges such as rust and blight. Monitor plants regularly for signs of pest infestation or disease symptoms and take appropriate measures to address them promptly.
Keep your garden healthy by removing any diseased or damaged leaves and properly getting rid of them to stop pests and diseases from spreading.
Overall, growing asparagus can be a fulfilling experience for gardeners, providing a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious spears. With proper care and attention to soil preparation, planting, and maintenance, you can enjoy a thriving asparagus patch for years to come.
For more information, please enjoy our Growing Guide for planting and growing asparagus.
Browse our collection of asparagus.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Cannot ship to the following states: GU, HI, PR, VI
Shipping Weight: 6.0 lb
Dimensions: 15.0"L x 12.0"W x 4.0"H
Features
Features
- Heat Tolerant
- Long-Lived
- Plant Spreads
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee
* Claim deadline is June 15th
We guarantee that your dormant tree or plant will arrive in good, viable condition. If your tree arrives in substandard condition, notify us within 3 days of delivery. Please email pictures of the box, inside packaging, the tree and its roots to helpdesk@groworganic.com. We will investigate your claim and process a request to exchange or refund the damaged product.
If your dormant tree or plant has not grown new leaves by June 15th, you may be eligible for our Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee. This guarantee provides for a store credit for the purchase price of the tree, excluding shipping. Please see the Instructions below.
Important Dates:
- April 1st Dormant trees/plants must be planted in the ground
- May 15th Perform scratch test, if no new leaves have grown
- June 15th Deadline to apply for a dormant tree/plant credit
All required documentation must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. Claims or documentation received after June 15th will be denied, without exception. Instructions listed below
Terms and Conditions
We cannot guarantee that your tree or plant will remain alive and healthy after it is received, or bear fruit as there are too many variables in your environment that are beyond our control (i.e. soil preparation, weed and pest control, proper irrigation, chill hours, compatible hardiness for your growing zone, proper choice of pollinator, extreme weather, rodent damage, disease, etc.).
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a replacement tree/plant of the same species either that same growing season or in future years. Customers are responsible for all shipping fees associated with replacement trees and plants.
If we determine that the tree you purchased directly from us is not viable, we will issue you a store credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of the affected dormant tree or plant. Shipping is not included in the dormant tree/plant guarantee. Store credits can be used to purchase any product we sell and are valid for use only until July 1st of the following year.
Historically, 98% of our dormant trees and plants grow and thrive when they have been cared for and planted using our growing guides. Dormant trees and plants must be planted in the ground by April 1st in order to be eligible for credit. If the ground in your area is still frozen solid, you may temporarily plant your tree or plant in a pot.
Potted, non-dormant trees or plants are excluded from this guarantee as they are not dormant at the time of shipment. Evergreen trees such as citrus, avocado and olive trees are not available for credit under the Dormant Tree and Plant Guarantee.
Instructions
We guarantee that your dormant fruit tree or plant will leaf out, if you care for it according to our growing guides. In the unlikely event that your dormant tree or plant does not have leaves by May 15th, follow these simple steps to apply for a store credit:
Before you call or email, please perform a “scratch test” to determine if the tree or plant is still alive. This video shows how to check for live tissue under the bark. Scratch tests need to be done a few inches above and below the graft.
Green Cambium Layer / Living Trees
If the cambium layer under the bark is green, give your tree a little more time. It is still alive, but hasn’t come out of dormancy yet. Check to make sure that it is getting the right amount of deep root water, enough sunlight and that the weather is warm enough for that type of tree/plant to come out of dormancy. Every tree has its own personality and will come out of dormancy at different times. Be sure to submit the required documentation listed below by June 15th, if it doesn’t grow leaves.
Brown Cambium Layer / Dead Trees
If the scratch test shows a brown cambium layer or if your dormant tree/plant doesn’t have leaves by June 1st, please email us at helpdesk@groworganic.com. All required documentation listed below must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. To be considered for the guarantee claim, all required documentation must be received by June 15th. Incomplete submissions will be denied.
Required Documentation
- Order number
- Name of dormant tree/plant and the quantity affected
- Photos of each tree or plant showing:
- The roots (tree or plant must be pulled out of the ground)
- The scratch test areas
- The entire tree/plant
We reserve the right to not issue credit for items that have already been replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence that the tree/plant was not killed by root rot, rodent or mechanical damage.
