Mary Washington

Quick Facts

• Type: Perennial green asparagus (heirloom)
• Season: Spring harvest once plantings are established
• Flavor: Classic asparagus flavor, excellent for fresh use, freezing, and canning
• Spears: Traditional green spears with good tip quality and texture
• Plant habit: Vigorous, long-lived crowns well suited to home gardens and production beds
• Best for: Gardeners and growers wanting a proven, traditional green asparagus variety
• Hardiness & culture: Winter hardy, heat tolerant, and shows resistance to rust; adapted to Zones 3–8

Mary Washington is a classic heirloom asparagus and has been the gold standard green variety for nearly a century. Easy to grow and disease resistant, it produces reliable crops of delicious green spears that work beautifully for fresh eating, freezing, and canning. Its long history and dependable performance make it a trusted choice for both new gardeners and experienced growers.

This variety is well known for its winter hardiness and heat tolerance, allowing it to perform across a wide range of climates in Zones 3–8. Mary Washington also shows resistance to rust, one of the key diseases in asparagus plantings, which helps stands remain productive for many years. If you want a time-tested, traditional green asparagus that “just works,” Mary Washington is an excellent foundation for any asparagus patch.

For guidance on row layout, crown spacing, and plant counts, see our Asparagus Spacing & Planting Guide before planting.