Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds 1/16oz Approx 50 Seeds
Mary Washington Asparagus seeds are a classic US variety that’s popular in both truck gardens and the commercial market. This perennial plant produces early, long, straight, dark-green spears with tight purpling tips, known for their consistent size! They’re tasty and resistant to certain rusts and blight. The cutting season can stretch up to 60 days.
This member of the lily family hails from the Mediterranean region, where it was highly prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Legend has it that Julius Caesar insisted on having his asparagus served with melted butter. By the 16th century, it had become a favorite delicacy among the kings of England and France, earning it the nickname "food of kings." Louis XIV of France even had his own year-round supply grown in greenhouses because he loved it so much. During the Renaissance, asparagus was seen as a sophisticated vegetable, often gracing the tables of the affluent. Asparagus made its way to America with the colonists and has since thrived in the wild across the United States.
This variety does really well in cooler climates that have longer winters, and it loves full sun along with loose, well-drained soil that's packed with organic matter. Its deep, rhizomatous root system keeps the plant going strong year after year, often for decades. You should start harvesting in the second or third season, but trust me, the wait is worth it for years of consistent production.
As a dioecious plant, Mary Washington can produce these pretty red berries when there are female plants around. They look great in edible landscapes, but don’t eat them. If you leave the spears unharvested, they’ll turn into tall, fern-like foliage that not only looks nice in the garden but also helps the roots stay healthy. Plus, it’s naturally resistant to some rusts, blight, and even rabbits, making it a tough choice for low-maintenance perennial beds.
Latin Name: Asparagus officinalis
Species Origin: Heirloom from 1935
Type: Open Pollinated,
Heirloom, Cool Season|Warm Season
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 2-12
Seeds per Ounce: 600 - 1400
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 60 Inches
Color: Green
Start by soaking Mary Washington asparagus seeds overnight to soften the tough outer shell. Then, plant them 1/4" deep and 2" apart in a temporary nursery bed. Maintain a temperature of 70-80 degrees F, and you should see germination in about 10-14 days. If you're direct sowing, wait until after the last frost of spring. For better results in your garden, try planting your perennial asparagus alongside tomatoes; they really help each other out.
After about 10-12 weeks, it's time to move the seedlings outdoors. You don't need to dig a trench; just space the plants 12" apart in rows that are 3-4' apart. They thrive in sandy, well-drained soil and love full sun. Keep the soil moist and add mulch to keep those pesky weeds at bay. Regularly adding compost and organic matter will do wonders for your asparagus.
You can start harvesting perennial asparagus in the second year, but for the healthiest roots, it's best to wait until the third year to really dig in. You can pick spears as soon as they show up in the spring until early summer; around 8" tall is usually the sweet spot. Instead of cutting the spears, bend them until they snap to get just the tender part. When it gets hot, let the spears grow fully with ferny tops to ensure a good crop for next year.
A well-established asparagus plot can last for 20 years or more, but if you need to save seeds, you can do that too. Let the stalks grow tall and fern-like until they're mature. When the berries on the female plant turn red, pick them and squeeze the seeds into a container of water, making sure to clean off any leftover pulp. Spread the Mary Washington asparagus seeds out to dry for a few weeks before storing them. Keep them in a cool, dry spot for up to three years.
Soak Mary Washington asparagus seeds overnight to weaken the hard outer layer before planting. This helps speed up germination, which typically takes 10-21 days under optimal conditions.
Instructions for Soaking Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds
Why Soak?
Soaking the seeds of Mary Washington asparagus helps to break down the tough outer shell, which speeds up the germination process.
How to Soak
Preparation:
Get your seeds and a suitable container.
Make sure to use clean water at room temperature.
Soaking:
Put the seeds into the container.
Fill it with water to cover the seeds.
Let them soak overnight (about 8-12 hours).
After Soaking:
Once soaked, drain the water.
You can either plant the seeds right away or keep them in a damp paper towel until you're ready to plant.
Planting After Soaking
Depth: Bury the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Spacing: Keep the seeds 2 inches apart, whether in a nursery bed or directly in the garden.
Temperature: The best soil temperature for germination is between 70-80°F.
Germination Time: You should see germination in about 10-14 days.
Extra Tips
Make sure the soil drains well and is rich in organic material.
During germination, keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Using mulch can help keep moisture in and control weeds.
By following these guidelines, you'll boost the chances of successful germination and growth for your Mary Washington asparagus seeds.
Mary Washington Asparagus is used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including increasing urination and treating urinary tract infections. It may also help with joint pain, hormone imbalances, and preventing kidney stones.
Medicinal Uses of Mary Washington Asparagus
General Benefits
Mary Washington Asparagus isn’t just a healthy veggie; it also boasts a range of medicinal benefits. Some of its potential health perks include:
Diuretic Properties: Asparagus is frequently utilized in "irrigation therapy" to boost urination, which helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
Urinary Health: It’s often used to tackle urinary tract infections thanks to its ability to enhance urine flow.
Specific Health Applications
Mary Washington Asparagus might also be helpful for:
Joint Pain: It’s sometimes used to ease discomfort related to joint problems.
Hormonal Balance: This plant may assist in correcting hormone imbalances, especially in women.
Digestive Health: Asparagus can support digestion and is often used to relieve constipation.
Skin Conditions: Applying asparagus extracts topically may help with skin issues like sores and acne.
Nutritional Value
Asparagus is regarded as a superfood, packed with vitamins and minerals, which adds to its health benefits. It has a high Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) score, showcasing its nutrient-dense profile.
Adding Mary Washington Asparagus to your meals can offer both delicious flavors and a variety of health advantages.
