Asparagus 'Mary Washington'

Asparagus 'Mary Washington' is an early producing heirloom variety, with high-quality shoots with a fine flavour. A perennial vegetable that can last up to 20 years however it will take two to three years from sowing the seed to the first decent harvest. Each packet contains 20 seeds.
Asparagus 'Mary Washington' Spears
Asparagus 'Mary Washington' Spears
Price Per Packet: $ 2.50

Growing Advice

Scientific Name: Asparagus officinalis

Common Name: Asparagus 'Mary Washington'

Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus)

Etymology:

Asparagus: Ancient Greek Name; Greek
officinalis: Official

Origin:  

Asparagus officinalis is native to Northern Africa, Europe and West and Central Asia.  This variety can be found listed in seed catalogs from 1929 and was a popular home vegetable garden variety in the mid 20th century in Australia.

Description:

Asparaus 'Mary Washington' is an old fashion, open-pollinated heirloom variety which when established produces lots of tight, tender, fine-flavoured, green shoots in early Spring.  This variety also has resistant to some types of Asparagus rust.

Uses:

The spears, which are actually thickened young stems can be eaten raw or cooked briefly.  Harvest when about 15cm long.  Discard lower part of stem where it snaps off naturally as it will be often be woody and less palatable.

Germination:

Sow asparagus seed 5mm deep and about half a metre apart.  In cold regions sow from September to November after any chance of frost has past, in temperate and subtropical areas sow from August to November, in the tropics sow from May to July.

Cultivation:

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can keep producing up to 20 years and is grown differently from other vegetables.  Early shoots emerging from the ground with the thickest stems are harvested during Spring.  Later shoots is left to grow, eventually producing a mass of feathery foliage which is left to grow and replenish energy to the underground crown until it dies back in Winter.  Takes 2 to 3 years from sowing till first decent crop.  Avoid harvesting new shoots in early years to allow the underground crown to grow in size and build up energy reserves.  Prefers well-drained, sandy soils in a full sun or partially shaded position.  Grows best in areas which have cold winters.  Cut old fronds, mulch and fertilise crowns during Winter.  Remove any flowers as they occur to avoid energy being spent on fruit production.