Mary Washington Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
as-PAR-uh-gus oh-fiss-ih-NAL-iss
Edibles: Stem Vegetable
Asparagus
Zone
4: -30° to -20°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
The standard commercial strain and the most popular U.S. variety is resistant to some rust and blight, has a 60 day cutting season. Produces long straight spears with tight tips.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Blooming Time
Early Spring - Late Spring
Habit
Clump-Forming
Height
36–60 in
Spread
24–36 in
Form
Slicer
Characteristics
Type
Heirloom
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators; Attracts Beneficial Insects
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Part Sun
Soil Texture
Loam
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Alkaline: 7.0-7.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly alkaline soil
PH Correction
High pH can reduce nutrient uptake
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Heavy Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Boron (B)
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Dioecious--separate male & female plant
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Mary Washington Asparagus
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
365 Days
Fruit Size
Medium
Fruit Characteristics
Classic
Ploidy
Diploid