Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a hardy, perennial vegetable that thrives in optimal growing conditions, providing fresh, tender asparagus shoots for 15 to 20 years. These live green plant plugs, also known as asparagus crowns, are carefully grown in controlled environments to ensure healthy roots and vigorous growth. With each pack, you receive five plugs, each containing multiple plants that can be separated or planted as is, offering flexibility for your garden.
The Mary Washington variety is known for its high yield, producing excellent-quality asparagus spears over time. When you plant these plugs, you can enjoy fresh asparagus each spring, with increasing harvests as the plants mature. These asparagus plants are well-suited for gardeners looking for a long-term investment, as they will continue producing delicious asparagus year after year.
Planting Mary Washington Asparagus is simple. After rinsing off the soil, you can either separate the individual plants and space them out, or you can plant the entire plug for a denser root system. These plants thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, and they grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Once planted, your asparagus will grow into a lush, green bed, producing tender spears for your table.
To ensure a healthy harvest, asparagus plants require regular maintenance, including mulching in the winter to protect their crowns and removing weeds to prevent competition for nutrients. They are relatively low-maintenance once established, making them an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a sustainable, long-lasting crop.
Mary Washington Asparagus plants are perfect for gardeners looking to grow their own fresh vegetables, with a reliable and consistent yield year after year. Whether you choose to plant them in your backyard garden or as part of a larger vegetable bed, these perennial plants are a practical addition to any garden space.
Key Features:
- Type: Asparagus
- Condition: Live Plant Plugs (not crowns)
- Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
- USDA Zone Growing: 3-8
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained soil
- Sunlight Exposure: Full sun
- Expected Planting Period: Early spring or fall
FAQ:
- What is the difference between asparagus crowns and plugs?
- Asparagus plugs are young plants that have been started in controlled environments, while crowns are more mature plants with established roots. Plugs are often more flexible for planting.
- How many plants will I get from each plug?
- Each plug contains multiple plants, so you can separate them for a more spread-out planting or plant them together for a denser root system.
- What are the best growing conditions for Mary Washington Asparagus?
- Mary Washington Asparagus thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
- How long does it take for Mary Washington Asparagus to produce harvestable spears?
- You can start harvesting asparagus after 2-3 years of planting. The yield will increase as the plants mature, reaching peak production in 4-5 years.
- Can I plant these asparagus plugs in containers or raised beds?
- Yes, Mary Washington Asparagus can be grown in containers or raised beds as long as they have enough space for their deep root system and receive full sunlight.