Park Seed
Asparagus 'Mary Washington'
Best perennial choice for home gardeners seeking long-term, low-maintenance harvests.
Cultivate your own delicious asparagus with the 'Mary Washington' variety. This heirloom cultivar is celebrated for its early, abundant harvests of tender, flavorful spears. A long-lived perennial, it offers decades of production with minimal care. Beyond its edible bounty, the plant boasts attractive, feathery foliage that adds ornamental value to your garden. It's naturally resistant to common pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice for edible landscapes. Enjoy fresh asparagus from your garden for years to come.
$26.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1533
/ 3088
#1533 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+14%
Above average
SKU
2887325
/ -PK-
Who it's for
- Home growers needing adaptable plants for diverse climates
- Gardeners seeking reliable, time-tested heirloom varieties
- Culinary enthusiasts prioritizing classic, rich vegetable flavor
Who should skip it
- Commercial growers prioritizing maximum harvest volume
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting to avoid extra weeding
- Gardeners in regions prone to rust or fusarium
Performance breakdown
Harvest Longevity
A perennial powerhouse that provides decades of reliable seasonal yields.
Pest Resilience
Natural resistance minimizes the need for chemical interventions in your garden.
Flavor Profile
Classic heirloom taste defined by tender, delicate, and fresh spears.
Ornamental Versatility
Feathery foliage transitions beautifully from edible crop to landscape feature.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones from three through eight.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort cultivation makes this an ideal choice for beginner gardeners.
Key Specs
SKU
28873-PK-25
Genus
Asparagus
Variety
Mary Washington
Item Form
Bareroot
Light Requirements
Full Sun/Part Shade
Soil Type
Clay, Normal, Loamy, Sandy
Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
Growth Habit
Ornamental Grass
Features
- Heirloom variety for early, high yields.
- Produces spears with delicate, fresh flavor.
- Long-lived perennial for decades of harvest.
- Attractive, feathery foliage when unharvested.
- Resistant to common asparagus pests and diseases.
- Easy to grow in cooler climates.
- Suitable for edible landscapes.
- Deer resistant.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the reliability and quality of the 'Mary Washington' asparagus crowns from Park Seed. Reviewers frequently note the impressive vigor and high survival rate of the plants upon arrival and planting. The primary sentiment highlights the long term value, emphasizing that while asparagus requires patience, these crowns establish quickly and produce robust, flavorful spears, confirming the variety's reputation as a dependable heirloom choice for home gardens.
Know before you buy
As a perennial, asparagus requires patience. You should allow the plants to establish themselves for two to three years before harvesting the spears to ensure the root system is strong enough for long-term production.
Mary Washington is quite adaptable and grows well in clay, loamy, or sandy soils. The most important requirement is that the soil is well-drained, as asparagus roots can rot if left in standing water.
Yes, this variety is versatile and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. While full sun typically encourages the highest yields, it will still produce effectively in areas with filtered light.
Leave the foliage standing throughout the summer and fall. The plant uses these feathery fronds to photosynthesize and store energy in the roots for the following year's harvest; you should only cut them back once they turn brown in late autumn or winter.
Yes, Mary Washington is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are extremely scarce, deer generally avoid the taste and texture of mature asparagus foliage.
Asparagus is a long-term investment that needs room to spread. Plan to space your bareroot plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are at least 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and root development.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$27