A long lived drought tolerant perennial that naturalizes most readily along
waterways and other moist places in many regions of the United States.
Asparagus will grow best on weed free heavily manured, garden soil that is
kept moist. When well grown it will produce its first supermarket size
spears 2 years (approx) from a March to April sowing.
Seed Germination/Emergence:
About 4-5 weeks. Keep the seeds moist (don't let dry!) and fairly warm
for best seed germination.
Note:
Slugs can and will eat the tiny shoots off as fast as they emerge so
starting the seed in cell trays and transplanting is not a bad idea. Grows slowly
the first year.
Spacing:
Suit yourself. We've had success with it spaced 18"X18" apart in beds or
in rows 3-4' apart, 4-6" apart in the row. Overcrowding, not enough
fertilizer, and anything else that stifles growth will encourage the plants
to be spindly and unproductive for you.
Annual Care:
After fall frost kills tops, mow down
or weed eat and cover the beds with leaf mulch and manure. Water thoroughly
if nature doesn't and then cover with black plastic (not too early) to keep
weeds from developing. Worms and bugs will work the leaves and manure into
the soil. Gophers and mice can become a problem under the plastic so watch
for that. Remove the plastic in the spring, leaving it in place will
encourage the stalks to emerge during frosty weather. Shriveled stalks in
spring are usually the result of frosty nights.
Mary Washington
An old variety that is still very popular with commercial markets. Has large spears with medium purple tips.
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