Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds – Heirloom Perennial Vegetable

Mary Washington is the classic heirloom asparagus variety — rust-resistant, vigorous, and trusted by home gardeners and commercial growers alike for generations. Direct from seed, this perennial vegetable takes 2–3 years to produce spears, but rewards patience with decades of harvests. Approximately 1,200 seeds per ounce.

Variety Highlights

• Early, dark-green spears with uniform size and excellent flavor
• Cutting season lasts up to 60 days
• Resistant to rust and certain blights
• Winter-hardy and frost-tolerant
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save your own seed

Growing Information

• Type: Perennial
• Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
• Days to Maturity: 60 (from established crown)
• Mature Height: 36–48 inches
• Spacing: 9–12 inches
• Sun: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Temp for Germination: 65–80°F

Starting from Seed

Sow ½ inch deep in 4–6 inch pots indoors. Maintain soil temperature of 65–80°F. Transplant established seedlings or 1-year-old crowns into fertile, well-cultivated trenches — 12 inches wide and 6–8 inches deep — spaced at least 24 inches apart in rows. Cover crowns with 2 inches of soil. Fill furrows gradually with compost as ferns grow.

Harvest Timeline

• Year 1: No harvesting — allow plants to establish
• Year 2: Light 2–3 week harvest
• Year 3+: Extend harvest season each year up to 8 weeks

Mulch 2–3 inches after planting and again after each harvest season.