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.
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Tuberous root
Asparagaceae
Ornamental bulbs
Asperge ‘Mary Washington’ 'Mary Washington' (Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus officinalis ‘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.
Quantity
8 asparagus crowns
Exposure
Full sun
Hardiness
Zone 3
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Asparagaceae
Genus
Asparagus
Species
officinalis
Cultivar
Mary Washington
Type
Tuberous root
Cycle
Perennial
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.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)
Spacing / density
Space plants or bulbs 10 to 15 cm apart.
Establishment temperature
18 to 24°C (65 to 75°F)
Establishment time
21 to 42 days
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 conditions.
Exposure
Full sun
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Minimum temperature
-40°C (-40°F)
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.
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 controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
45 cm (18 in)
Suitable for containers in a free-draining mix; protect from frost when hardiness requires it.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Green
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
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)
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Tomatoes, parsley, basil, and marigolds make excellent companion plants, creating a healthy and productive vegetable garden.
Avoid planting with
The main pests are asparagus beetles, slugs on young shoots, and poorly drained soils that encourage root diseases.
Ideal for family vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, and perennial kitchen gardens. Produces premium-quality spring harvests for many years.
From the garden to inspiration.
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
Everything toknow.
Harvesting should begin in the third year. Allowing the plants to establish first ensures a strong root system and long-term productivity.
Yes. A well-maintained asparagus bed can produce abundant harvests for 15 to 20 years or even longer.
Yes. Hardy to Zone 3, ‘Mary Washington’ withstands Quebec winters exceptionally well and returns reliably every spring.
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.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
