Asparagus Seeds

Mary Washington Asparagus is a classic heirloom variety prized for its tender green spears, dependable production, and excellent flavor. Once established, this long-lived perennial vegetable can produce delicious spring harvests for many years, making it one of the most rewarding crops a home gardener can plant. Mary Washington is especially valued for its sturdy spears, attractive ferny foliage, and old-fashioned reliability in permanent vegetable beds.

Mary Washington Asparagus has a fresh, mildly sweet, grassy flavor with a tender texture when harvested young. The spears are rich and savory when steamed, roasted, grilled, or sautéed, and they pair beautifully with butter, olive oil, lemon, garlic, Parmesan cheese, eggs, potatoes, seafood, chicken, and spring herbs.

Sow seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected spring frost, or sow directly outdoors after the soil has warmed. Soak seeds overnight before planting to help speed germination. Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep in a well-drained seed-starting mix and keep evenly moist. Germination can be slow, often taking 14 to 28 days.

Transplant seedlings into a permanent bed in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Asparagus is a long-term crop, so prepare the bed deeply with compost before planting. Space plants generously to allow crowns room to mature. Do not harvest heavily the first year from seed; allow plants to build strong roots. Begin light harvests once plants are well established, usually in the second or third year, depending on vigor.

UC157 Asparagus is one of the world's most productive modern asparagus varieties, developed for exceptional vigor, uniform spear production, and outstanding adaptability. Originally bred by the University of California, this improved variety quickly became a favorite among both commercial growers and home gardeners because of its large, tender spears, excellent disease resistance, and dependable yields. UC157 establishes quickly and produces abundant harvests of smooth, straight green spears with tight tips and outstanding eating quality.

UC157 offers a mild, sweet, buttery flavor with a clean, fresh finish and very little bitterness. The thick, tender spears remain succulent when harvested at the proper stage and develop a rich, slightly nutty taste when roasted or grilled. Its excellent texture makes it equally enjoyable served simply with butter or incorporated into gourmet dishes.

Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected spring frost, or sow directly outdoors after the soil has warmed. Soaking seeds overnight before planting can improve germination. Sow seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep in a well-drained growing medium and keep evenly moist. Germination generally occurs within 14 to 28 days.

Transplant seedlings into a permanent location with full sun and deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with generous amounts of compost. Because asparagus remains productive for many years, careful soil preparation is well worth the effort. Avoid harvesting heavily during the establishment period, allowing the crowns to develop strong root systems before beginning regular harvests in subsequent seasons.