Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds – Heirloom, Non-GMO, Perennial

Transform your garden into a perennial powerhouse with Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds. This classic heirloom asparagus variety has been a favorite among gardeners for over a century due to its tender green asparagus spears, high yields, and rust-resistant qualities. Scientifically classified as Asparagus officinalis, this plant is known for its early spring harvest, making it a delightful first crop of the season for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

The Mary Washington asparagus produces spears that grow up to 8 inches long, offering a mild, sweet flavor perfect for fresh eating, grilling, canning, and freezing. This perennial vegetable not only delivers exceptional taste but also ensures long-term productivity. Once established, you can expect light harvests in the second year and high-yield harvests from the third year onward. These plants will continue to produce for up to 20 years, making them a reliable and sustainable choice for any garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey into organic gardening, these non-GMO asparagus seeds provide a low-maintenance, high-reward addition to your vegetable patch. Their rust-resistant nature and open-pollinated genetics make them an excellent option for sustainable gardeners looking to grow their own food year after year.

Why Choose Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds?

1. Heirloom Asparagus Seeds with Superior Flavor

The Mary Washington asparagus is an heirloom variety that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its tender green asparagus spears are known for their mild, delicate flavor and smooth texture. These 8-inch spears are perfect for grilling, steaming, or enjoying raw in fresh salads. This variety brings restaurant-quality produce to your backyard.

2. Early Spring Harvest Asparagus for Extended Growing Seasons

One of the best things about growing Mary Washington asparagus is the early spring harvest. As one of the first vegetables to emerge in the spring, it gives gardeners a head start on the growing season. These perennial vegetable seeds provide a dependable, annual harvest with minimal maintenance, making them a staple in any garden.

3. Rust-Resistant Asparagus Variety for Easy Gardening

Asparagus can be vulnerable to diseases like rust, which affects the plant’s growth and productivity. However, Mary Washington asparagus is a rust-resistant asparagus variety, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want healthy, thriving plants without the need for chemical treatments.

4. Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated Asparagus Seeds for Sustainable Gardening

Our Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds are non-GMO, open-pollinated, and untreated, making them perfect for organic gardening and sustainable growing practices. Being open-pollinated means you can save seeds from your harvest to plant future crops, supporting biodiversity and reducing reliance on commercial seed suppliers.

5. High-Yield Asparagus Seeds for Long-Term Production

With proper care, Mary Washington asparagus produces abundant yields of tender green asparagus spears for decades. While you’ll start with light harvests in the second year, the real bounty comes in the third year and beyond, with each plant producing more spears as it matures.

About Our Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds:

• Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated, and Untreated – Our seeds are free from fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides, ensuring a natural, healthy growing process.
• High Germination Rates – We regularly test our seeds to ensure strong sprouting and healthy growth.
• Detailed Growing Instructions – Each packet includes comprehensive instructions to help you cultivate a thriving asparagus bed.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging – Our seeds are professionally packed in resealable, recycled packets printed with vegetable-based ink, avoiding plastic ziploc bags and reducing environmental waste.

Package Quantity:

• (Min. ~50 Seeds) – Enough to start a small asparagus patch or supplement an existing garden.

Perfect For:

• Home gardeners looking for a reliable, perennial vegetable that offers early spring harvests year after year.
• Organic gardeners seeking non-GMO, untreated seeds for sustainable, eco-friendly growing practices.
• Asparagus lovers wanting to enjoy tender green asparagus spears fresh, grilled, or preserved for later use.
• Vegetable garden enthusiasts looking for a high-yield asparagus variety that is rust-resistant and easy to grow.
• Heirloom seed collectors interested in maintaining and cultivating time-tested, traditional plant varieties.

Interesting Facts About Mary Washington Asparagus:

• Mary Washington asparagus is one of the oldest heirloom asparagus seeds available, originally developed in the early 1900s and still favored for its flavor and productivity.
• Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, meaning it will produce harvests for up to 20 years with proper care and minimal maintenance.
• The young asparagus spears are nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and high in fiber and antioxidants.
• Asparagus plants are dioecious, meaning they have distinct male and female plants. Male plants tend to produce more spears and are often preferred for higher yields.
• Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that can survive in colder climates and can even tolerate light frost during early spring growth.

Planting & Growing Instructions For Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds :

1. When to Plant:

Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the last frost date, or direct sow outdoors in early spring once the danger of frost has passed. Asparagus prefers cool weather for germination, making it an ideal early-season crop.

2. How to Plant:

• Starting Indoors: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in seed trays or pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 10-12 weeks old and the soil has warmed.
• Direct Sowing: Sow seeds ½ inch deep in well-drained soil, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which can take 2-3 weeks.

3. Soil Requirements:

Asparagus thrives in sandy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost or aged manure to provide the nutrients necessary for strong root development.

4. Sunlight Requirements:

Asparagus requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day) for optimal growth. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun ensures the plants produce thicker, healthier spears.

5. Watering and Maintenance:

Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish strong roots. Once established, asparagus is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from consistent moisture during the growing season. Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

6. Fertilization:

Feed your asparagus bed with an organic fertilizer or compost in early spring and after the first harvest. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of spear production.

7. Harvesting:

• Second Year: Begin light harvesting by cutting a few spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall. Avoid over-harvesting to allow the plants to establish strong roots.
• Third Year and Beyond: Enjoy full harvests by cutting spears as they appear. Continue harvesting for 6-8 weeks until the spears become thin, signaling the end of the harvest season.

Storage & Preservation Tips:

• Fresh Storage: Store harvested asparagus in the refrigerator with the cut ends submerged in water or wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
• Canning & Freezing: Blanch asparagus spears for 2-3 minutes before freezing to preserve their color, flavor, and texture. Canning is another great option for long-term storage.

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