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Asperge ‘Mary Washington’ ( Asparagus officinalis ) : des asperges vertes à côté d’une assiette garnie d’asperges et d’œufs. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.
Tuberous root Asparagaceae

Ornamental bulbs

Asperge ‘Mary Washington’ 'Mary Washington' (Asparagus officinalis)

Asparagus officinalis ‘Mary Washington’

Product code : ASPERGE-MARY-WASHINGTON

‘Mary Washington’ asparagus produces fleshy green spears with slightly purple tips and a delicate flavour. This classic variety remains one of the most dependable choices for home vegetable gardens.
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Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
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Quantity
8 asparagus crowns
Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common nameGreen Asparagus
FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusAsparagus
Speciesofficinalis
CultivarMary Washington
TypeTuberous root
Botanical nameAsparagus officinalis ‘Mary Washington’
Reproducible seedsYes

Green Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis ‘Mary Washington’) is a classic, reliable variety known for its straight, fleshy, light green spears, often tinged with purple at the tips. Their tender texture and delicately sweet flavour make them a highly valued spring harvest. After the cutting season, the light, feathery foliage reaches 120 to 150 cm in height and remains attractive throughout summer. Hardy to Zone 3, this perennial vegetable is perfectly suited to Quebec gardens and can produce abundant harvests for many years once fully established.

Plant the asparagus crowns in spring at a depth of 15 to 20 cm, spacing them 30 to 45 cm apart in loose, organic-rich, perfectly drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a location in full sun and water thoroughly after planting, then regularly during establishment. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Apply compost every spring to maintain vigorous growth. Avoid harvesting during the first two years so the root system can develop fully and support long-term production.

Ideal for permanent vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, and perennial kitchen gardens, ‘Mary Washington’ asparagus grows well alongside tomatoes, parsley, basil, and marigolds. Harvesting generally begins in the third year, from May to June, and returns reliably each spring. The spears are delicious blanched, grilled, sautéed, or steamed and are also excellent in salads, quiches, and creamy soups. After harvest, allow the foliage to develop fully so it can replenish the roots, then cut it back only after it has completely yellowed in autumn.

Asperge ‘Mary Washington’ ( Asparagus officinalis ) : des asperges vertes à côté d’une assiette garnie d’asperges et d’œufs. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Planting guide

Plant well.Grow beautifully.

Planting depth

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Spacing / density

Space plants or bulbs 10 to 15 cm apart.

Best planting time

Spring

Propagation

Divide mature crowns or grow from seed. Planting crowns is the fastest method of establishment.

Growing method

Plant the asparagus crowns in spring at a depth of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) in loose, fertile, perfectly drained soil. Space the plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart and leave approximately 1 m (3 ft) between rows. Choose a location in full sun. Water thoroughly after planting, then keep the soil lightly moist until established. Do not harvest the spears during the first two years to allow the plants to develop a strong root system. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Minimum temperature

-40°C (-40°F)

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Keep the soil lightly moist without overwatering.

Soil type

Loose, organic-rich, perfectly drained soil. Avoid heavy, compacted soils.

Fertilization

Incorporate well-rotted compost in spring and autumn. An annual addition of organic matter encourages abundant, long-lasting production.

Moisture

Moist to moderately dry, always well-drained soil.

Seasonal care

Weed regularly to reduce competition. Maintain a layer of mulch to conserve moisture. Cut back the yellowed fern foliage in autumn. Apply compost every spring to support long-term productivity.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

45 cm (18 in)
Suitable for containers in a free-draining mix; protect from frost when hardiness requires it.
Asperge ‘Mary Washington’ ( Asparagus officinalis ) : des asperges vertes à côté d’une assiette garnie d’asperges et d’œufs. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

120 to 150 cm (48 to 60 in)

Width / spread

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Flower color

Green

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright, clumping

Fragrance

Light fragrance

Bloom period

Small, discreet flowers appear on mature plants after harvest. They attract pollinating insects and are followed by small berries on female plants.

Fruiting

Harvest from May to June (beginning in the third year)

Harvest

May to June (beginning in the third year)
Asperge ‘Mary Washington’ ( Asparagus officinalis ) : des asperges vertes à côté d’une assiette garnie d’asperges et d’œufs. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Tomatoes, parsley, basil, and marigolds make excellent companion plants, creating a healthy and productive vegetable garden.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Young shoots harvested; exclude berries and foliage
Delicious blanched, sautéed, grilled, or steamed to preserve its tender texture. It is excellent in salads, quiches, creamy soups, or wrapped in ham for a classic preparation. Freshly harvested spears retain their delicate texture and mild, slightly sweet flavour, making them a springtime favourite.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should ‘Mary Washington’ asparagus crowns be planted?
Spring is the best time to plant asparagus crowns once the soil has warmed and is easy to work. Good soil preparation encourages productive harvests for many years.
When can asparagus be harvested?
Harvesting should begin in the third year. Allowing the plants to establish first ensures a strong root system and long-term productivity.
Is asparagus a perennial plant?
Yes. A well-maintained asparagus bed can produce abundant harvests for 15 to 20 years or even longer.
Is this variety suitable for northern climates?
Yes. Hardy to Zone 3, ‘Mary Washington’ withstands Quebec winters exceptionally well and returns reliably every spring.
How can I maximize asparagus production?
Keep the soil fertile, weed-free, and well mulched. Apply compost annually and avoid harvesting during the first two years to ensure vigorous long-term production.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Pollinators