Asparagus – Mary Washington – Eden Seeds

Asparagus – Mary Washington is a classic perennial asparagus variety producing early, long, straight, large green spears with tight tips. Eden Seeds notes that it has resistance to some types of rust and was one of Australia’s most popular asparagus varieties in the 1940s.

Packet size: approximately 60 seeds.

Why grow it

• Traditional open-pollinated variety
• Large, straight spears with tight tips
• Long-lived perennial crop once established
• Best performance in areas with cold winters

Growing notes

Asparagus is slow to establish from seed. Allow plants to grow through their first year so the fern-like tops can feed the developing crown. A moderate harvest may be possible in the second year, with full production typically from the third year.

• Position: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: light, friable and well-drained; around pH 7.0
• Soil preparation: enrich with well-rotted manure and maintain a heavy mulch
• Sowing depth: 1–2 cm
• Best soil temperature: 16–30°C
• Plant spacing: 20–35 cm
• Row spacing: 90–120 cm
• When to sow: after frost

Planting times in Australia

• Tropics: February–November
• Subtropics: August–November
• Mild climates: August–November
• Cold / frost climates: September–November

Harvest & maintenance

Cut old fronds back in winter, then fertilise and mulch. Established crowns can be transplanted during winter. Male seedlings are generally the stronger croppers and can often be identified by thicker growth at transplanting.

Companion planting: Eden Seeds suggests Basil, Lovage, Sweet Marjoram, Parsley and Tomato as useful neighbours for asparagus.

Wall of Seeds pricing

• $5.25 each
• Mix & match any 4+ Eden Seeds / Select Organic packets for $4.95 each
• Mix & match any 10+ packets for $4.50 each

Source: Eden Seeds variety and growing information for Asparagus – Mary Washington.