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Asparagus

Mary Washington

Asparagaceae

Spacing1 per sq ft
Days to Harvest365d
Expected Yield1-2 lbs per sq ft (mature bed, year 3+)

Asparagus

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Variety History

Mary Washington was developed in the early 1900s by the USDA and became the standard American asparagus variety, prized for rust resistance and productivity. It is named for Mary Ball Washington, mother of George Washington.

Regional Context

Asparagus is a perfect PNW perennial crop. Our mild, moist springs produce tender, sweet spears. Mary Washington is the classic rust-resistant variety developed in the early 1900s. More modern hybrids (Jersey Knight, Purple Passion) offer higher yields but Mary Washington is reliable. An asparagus bed is the sign of a serious gardener — it is a 20-year commitment. The first spears poking through March soil are one of the great joys of PNW gardening.

Growing Technique

Plant 1-year-old crowns in early spring (March). Asparagus is a PERMANENT planting — it produces for 20+ years from the same bed, so choose the location carefully. Dig a trench 12" wide and 8-12" deep. Spread roots over a mound of compost-enriched soil in the trench, 18" apart. Cover with 2" of soil. As spears grow through, gradually fill the trench over the season. Do NOT harvest the first year — let all spears grow into ferns to build root strength. Second year: harvest lightly for 2-3 weeks. Third year and beyond: harvest for 6-8 weeks (April-June). Stop harvesting when spears thin to pencil width. Let ferns grow through summer and turn yellow in fall before cutting back. Top-dress with compost annually.

Watch For

  • Patience is everything — harvesting too early (year 1 or 2) weakens the bed permanently. Crowns must sit on a raised mound in the trench — flat planting causes rot. Weed competition in the first year is deadly — keep the bed meticulously weeded. Asparagus beetles (red and black) eat ferns in summer — hand-pick adults and crush eggs. Ferns topple in wind — stake or grow through a support grid.

Recipes