Asparagus Mary Washington Seed Organic . 
 
20 seeds per pack
 
The "Mary Washington" asparagus is a classic, heirloom variety, highly prized for its vigorous growth, high yield, and delicious, tender green spears. This perennial vegetable is a long-term investment for the home garden, providing a bounty of fresh shoots for many years once established. It is known for its robust flavor and adaptability, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking a reliable and productive asparagus cultivar. The fern-like foliage that develops after harvesting adds an attractive, feathery texture to the garden through the warmer months.
To begin cultivating this rewarding vegetable, it's recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours before planting to aid germination. After soaking, sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-raising mix, covering them with about 1.5-2 cm of mix.
 
 
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A warm environment is crucial for germination, ideally between 20-30°C. You can achieve this by using a heat mat or placing trays in a warm, sunny spot. Germination can take a few weeks, typically 2-8 weeks, so patience is required. Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light to prevent them from becoming leggy.
 
 
When seedlings are about 10-15 cm tall, typically in late spring to early summer (around November-December in your location), they are ready for transplanting to their permanent bed. Asparagus thrives in full sun and requires rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Prepare the bed by digging a trench about 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide, then amend the soil heavily with compost or well-rotted manure. Create a mound in the bottom of the trench, place the seedling crowns on top, spreading the roots out, and cover with about 5-7 cm of soil.
 
Gradually fill in the trench as the plants grow. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist during establishment. Asparagus are heavy feeders, so fertilize annually in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid harvesting in the first year to allow the crowns to establish, and harvest sparingly in the second year. From the third year onwards, you can enjoy a full harvest.