Asparagus – Mary Washington

Description

Mary Washington asparagus is a very early maturing variety. They tolerate warmer temperatures and out produce other open pollinated varieties. Dark green, smooth round spears. Tends to cluster 3-5 spears at a time. Has been a popular variety for well over a century, and still the go-to for most gardens. Seeds spout in 14-21 days, and will grow for many years if maintained well.

2 Years to maturity

3-6 Weeks to sprout

Asparagus seeds per packet: About 200

Asparagus seeds per Oz: About 1,500

Asparagus seeds per Lb: About 24,000

From our 1902 catalog: One of the earliest spring vegetables, of excellent flavor, taste much resembling peas, but as it becomes more generally known is much preferred to peas by many. It requires a deep, rich, mellow soil. Sow early in the spring in drills 2 inches deep and 12 inches apart if to be cultivated by hand. Mine are 24 inches apart and thus are easily worked with a horse, and this also gives the plants a better chance. One ounce of seed will make about 600 plants. When the plants are one or two years old (one year is best, as a better crown will form) transplant to rows 5 feet apart and 18 inches apart in the row.

Asparagus seed should be sowed in light sandy soil, early in the spring. Seed 2 to 4 inches apart 1/2 inch deep, in 15 to 24 inch rows. As asparagus germinates slowly, mix in a few radish seeds to mark the row for early cultivation. Roots may be transplanted either the following spring or left in seed bed for up to two years. Transplant 18 to 24 inches apart to trench 8 to 10 inches deep and wide enough to spread roots out evenly around crown. Cover with 2 inches of soil, packed tightly. Gradually fill the trench as the plants grow. Rows should be 4 feet apart. Rotted manure may be used in bottom of trench. Minimum soil temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit at a 4 in. depth. Avoid harvesting for the first year to ensure best crown (root ball) growth.