Experience the joy of gardening with the Thompson and Morgan Asparagus Mary Washington Seeds. The incredibly resilient Asparagus Officinalis 'Mary Washington' is known for its vigorous growth and productivity. This variety yields thick, long, green, and purple spears that can be harvested in late spring and early summer. Consumed fresh, this asparagus is delightful, and it also offers excellent storage potential, allowing for freezing after harvest. Cultivating asparagus does take time, as it requires a few years to establish, along with some maintenance and gardening knowledge. With the ability to produce up to 25 spears annually, this variety may yield for around 25 years. For optimal growth, direct sow seeds outdoors in mid-spring in a well-prepared seedbed, selecting a sheltered, sunny location. Asparagus beds thrive in rich, well-drained soil; therefore, removing all weeds and enriching the soil with well-rotted manure or garden compost is essential. On colder, wetter soils, adding sharp sand or grit can enhance drainage. Soak seeds in warm water for 48 hours before planting them 5cm deep and 8cm apart in drills spaced 30cm apart. Be prepared for slow germination, which takes 21 to 30 days. Alternatively, seeds can be started under glass, and once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 30cm apart for a season before transplanting into a prepared bed the following spring. The pack contains approximately 40 seeds.