{"product_id":"pepi-ca-asparagus-officinalis-mary-washington","title":"‘Mary Washington’ Asparagus (\u003cem\u003eAsparagus officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Mary Washington’)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‘Mary Washington’ Asparagus (\u003cem\u003eAsparagus officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Mary Washington’)\u003c\/strong\u003e is an open-pollinated heirloom developed by the USDA around 1919 to improve resistance to asparagus rust. It produces straight, thick, dark-green spears, often purple-tinged at the tightly folded tip, with a classic asparagus flavour. A planting contains both male and female plants: males generally yield more spears, while females can produce red berries and volunteer seedlings. After harvest, shoots become tall, fine, feathery green stems that recharge the underground crown. Modern all-male hybrids may yield more, but Mary Washington remains valued for history, reliability and reproducible seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose a permanent full-sun site with deep, fertile, organic-rich and freely draining soil. A pH close to 6.5 to 7.0 is particularly suitable. Plant crowns in early spring in a trench, spacing them approximately 30 to 45 cm apart, and gradually fill the trench as shoots lengthen. Keep the bed free of weeds and water regularly during establishment and after harvest. Spring compost and balanced nutrition after harvest support long-term production. Avoid compacted, waterlogged ground because crown and root diseases can shorten the productive life of an asparagus planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not harvest any spears during the first year. In the second season, limit picking to one or two weeks; from the third year onward, extend the period gradually through mid-June. Harvest spears at approximately 15 to 25 cm tall before their tips open. Stop when most shoots become thinner than a pencil, then allow all fern growth to develop. After a hard frost, remove completely browned stems. Only young spears are intended for food: red berries are toxic, and stems may irritate sensitive skin. Prompt refrigeration preserves quality because freshly cut asparagus deteriorates quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pépinière.ca","offers":[{"title":"1 gallon","offer_id":58658016723104,"sku":"FRUASPMAWA1GL","price":16.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/asparagus-mary-washington.png?v=1793120877","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/pepi-ca-asparagus-officinalis-mary-washington","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}