Seed Needs Asparagus Seeds for Planting Mary Washington Asparagus - Non-GMO Heirloom & Untreated Perennial Vegetable Seed to Plant an Outdoor Home Grown Garden (10 Packs)

Mary Washington Asparagus, a beloved heirloom variety, is scientifically known as Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington.' This perennial vegetable has earned its place as a favorite among gardeners for its rich, earthy flavor—often described as sweet and nutty—and its tender, succulent spears. Developed in the early 20th century by J. Arthur Thomson in Maryland, USA, it was bred for its resistance to asparagus rust, a fungal disease that plagued crops at the time. Over the years, it has garnered affectionate nicknames like "sparrow grass," "spears," and even "Martha Washington" (a nod to its sibling variety), reflecting its widespread popularity and cultural significance. These monikers highlight its distinctive spear-like shoots and its longstanding reputation as a garden staple, often celebrated as the "food of kings" in historical contexts. Growing Mary Washington Asparagus from seed requires patience and care, as it takes longer to establish than planting crowns but can be a rewarding endeavor. Start by soaking the seeds overnight to soften their hard outer layer, then sow them indoors about 10-14 weeks before the last expected frost, around late winter to early spring (February to March, depending on your region). Plant the seeds ¼ inch deep in a light seed-starting mix, maintaining a soil temperature of 70-80°F for germination, which typically occurs within 10-14 days. Once seedlings are sturdy—about 10-12 weeks later—transplant them outdoors into a well-drained, nutrient-rich bed with a pH of 6.0-7.0, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, mulch to suppress weeds, and avoid harvesting until the third year to allow the roots to strengthen, ensuring a bountiful harvest of deep green spears for decades to come.

• Heirloom: Mary Washington is a classic heirloom variety of Asparagus officinalis, developed in the early 20th century, renowned for its reliability and widespread use in home gardens.
• Plant Features: This perennial produces thick, tender, medium-green spears with tightly closed, purplish tips, growing from a robust root system that can yield for 15-20 years with proper care.
• Flavor and Texture: It offers a delicate, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor with a crisp yet succulent texture, making it a favorite for steaming, grilling, or eating raw.
• Cultivation Needs: Mary Washington thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soil with full sun exposure, requiring patience as it takes 2-3 years after planting to establish for a full harvest.
• Quality: All Asparagus seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
• Quantity: Seed Needs offers generous quantities. You can share with friends and family, or you can save the extra seeds until the following season, if properly stored.
• Packets: Each seed packet displays an artful illustration of the variety to be grown, as well as detailed seed sowing information on the reverse side. They measure 3.5" wide by 5" tall.
• Promise: Seed Needs will never knowingly supply GMO based seed products. The vast majority of our seeds are open pollinated & heirloom, with the exception of a few hybrids.
• Germination: Seed Needs packets contain some of the freshest seed available. Direct from the growers. If sown correctly, you will begin seeing results in only a matter of days.
• Freshness: All Asparagus seeds are packaged in tear resistant and moisture resistant packaging. This keeps the seeds a whole lot fresher than the competitions selection!