How to Grow Asparagus 'Mary Washington'
Asparagus 'Mary Washington'
Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington'
vegetable'Mary Washington' is a classic asparagus cultivar known for producing tall, straight spears with tight tips and excellent flavor. This variety was developed at the USDA plant introduction station and has become one of the most reliable and disease-resistant asparagus varieties for home gardeners. It produces uniform spears and is particularly valued for its resistance to asparagus rust.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Growth Stages
Establishment Year 1
3-4 months establishment, then dormancyYoung ferns grow from planted crowns or seedlings, establishing root systems. Minimal spear production expected.
Do not harvest spears in year one. Allow fern growth to mature fully. Keep soil consistently moist and apply 2-3 inches of mulch. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer monthly.
Establishment Year 2
Full growing seasonStronger fern growth and root development. Light harvesting may begin late in season (last 2-3 weeks only).
Limit harvest to 2-3 weeks maximum. Continue mulching and regular watering. Remove any rust-affected foliage promptly. Fertilize in spring as growth begins.
Mature Production (Year 3+)
Full season, with 6-8 week spring harvest windowVigorous spear production with thick, tender stalks. Tall ornamental ferns develop in summer after harvest period ends.
Harvest for 6-8 weeks in spring until spears thin to pencil-width. Cut spears 1-2 inches below soil surface daily or every 2-3 days. Apply balanced fertilizer after harvest ends. Keep area weed-free.
Fern Development & Summer Growth
6-8 weeksAfter harvest ends (late spring/early summer), allowed spears bolt into tall, feathery ferns that photosynthesize and strengthen roots.
Do not harvest during this period. Support tall ferns with stakes if needed. Continue watering regularly. Ferns reach 4-6 feet tall. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Dormancy & Fall Cleanup
8-10 weeksFoliage yellows and dies back as temperatures cool in fall. Plants enter dormancy to overwinter.
Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early winter after first frost. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch or aged manure for winter protection and spring fertility. Reduce watering significantly.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters; encourage beneficial insects; neem oil spray for severe infestations; remove plant debris where they overwinter
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Similar to asparagus beetle; hand-pick adults and larvae; maintain good garden sanitation
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'Mary Washington' has good resistance; ensure good air circulation; remove affected foliage; apply sulfur fungicide if needed; avoid overhead watering
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Hand-pick early morning; use row covers on young plants; neem oil; encourage native predators
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Cutworm collars around young transplants; remove debris; encourage ground beetles; diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Fresh Vegetable - Steaming, Grilling, Roasting
Culinary'Mary Washington' spears are tender, flavorful, and versatile in the kitchen. They're excellent steamed with butter, grilled with olive oil, roasted with garlic, or added to stir-fries and pasta dishes. The straight, uniform spears are prized for their presentation and consistent cooking. [source]
Asparagus Recipes & Preservation
CulinarySpears can be blanched and frozen for winter use, pickled, canned, or made into soups and sauces. The tips are particularly valuable for elegant plating and special dishes. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalAsparagus is high in folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and contains glutathione and inulin with potential anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. Traditionally valued as a spring tonic in herbalism. [source]
Ornamental Fern Value
HouseholdAfter harvest season, asparagus ferns grow into tall, delicate, feathery plants standing 4-6 feet tall. These can serve as attractive garden screens, privacy plants, or cut greenery for flower arrangements. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeMature asparagus plants produce small, delicate flowers in summer that attract beneficial insects including bees and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. The berries attract birds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin light harvesting in year 2 (final 2-3 weeks of season only). Full harvesting starts year 3. Harvest in spring when spears are 7-10 inches tall with tight, closed tips. Cut or snap spears 1-2 inches below soil surface. Harvest daily or every 2-3 days during peak season. Stop harvesting when spears consistently emerge at pencil-width (1/4 inch diameter), typically late May to early June depending on zone. Allow remaining spears to grow into ferns for photosynthesis. Asparagus beds remain productive for 15-20+ years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Mary Washington' was developed by the USDA and released in 1919, making it one of the most historically important asparagus varieties. It was bred specifically for disease resistance and uniformity, and remains a favorite among home gardeners and commercial producers nearly 100 years later.
- 🌱 Asparagus is a perennial that can produce for 15-20+ years from a single planting, making it one of the most long-lived vegetable garden investments. A single well-maintained plant can yield 1-2 pounds of spears per season at peak production.
- 🌱 The name 'asparagus' comes from the Greek 'asparagos,' and the plant has been cultivated for over 2,500 years. It was considered a luxury food in ancient Rome and Renaissance Europe, often served to royalty and the wealthy.
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