Choosing the right asparagus roots is essential for a long-lived, productive bed. The selections below focus on heirloom Mary Washington and robust Jersey Giant varieties, all available as bare root crowns. Each option provides deep roots, good germination, and the potential for years of fresh spears. This guide compares five top picks, with practical considerations to help you select the best fit for your garden climate and soil.
| Product | Brand | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Washington Bare Root Plants | Hand Picked Nursery | Bare Root (2-year crowns) | Heirloom, limited quantity available |
| Asparagus Garden Variety Pack | Hand Picked Nursery | Bare Root (30 plants) | Mix of Mary Washington, Purple Passion, Jersey Knight |
| Mary Washington Live Asparagus | CZ Grain | Bare Root (2-year crowns) | Large crowns, heirloom variety |
| Jersey Giant Bare Root Plants | CZ Grain | Bare Root (2-year crowns) | High yield, American favorite |
| Jersey Giant Bare Root Plants | CZ Grain | Bare Root (2-year crowns) | Available in a larger 20-plant set |
Hand Picked Nursery Mary Washington Asparagus Bare Roots (2yr Crowns) — 10
These Mary Washington bare root crowns come from a family-owned nursery with over 15 years in the business. The variety is heirloom, noted for reliable flavor and sturdy growth. A value-added option includes a promotional offer: buy 30 plants and receive 10 asparagus plants free, which can help establish a larger, continuous bed. The crowns are robust, designed to establish quickly with proper soil drainage and sun exposure. For gardeners seeking a classic, dependable historical variety, these crowns provide a tested baseline for a productive perennial bed.
Asparagus Garden Variety Pack (30 Plants) — Mary Washington, Purple Passion, Jersey Knight
This pack offers three popular varieties to diversify your bed: Mary Washington, Purple Passion, and Jersey Knight. Each set contains 10 of each variety, packaged as bare root crowns. This approach supports staggered harvest windows and resilience against disease pressures by not relying on a single cultivar. The Mary Washington line is widely favored for long, tender spears; Jersey Knight contributes vigor; Purple Passion offers attractive purple-tipped spears that mature to green. With proper care, these crowns can produce for 15–20 years, making it a long-term investment for a mixed-bed garden.
Mary Washington Live Asparagus (2yr Crowns) — 10
CZ Grain offers large 2-year-old Mary Washington crowns designed to jump-start a productive asparagus bed. The heirloom selection is favored by chefs and home gardeners for consistent yields and flavor. The product emphasizes establishing a strong root system to support years of harvests. The seller also provides assurances of quality, helping buyers feel confident in the plant’s viability. For gardeners seeking robust, proven crowns with traditional appeal, these Mary Washington crowns present a reliable base for a perennial harvest.
Jersey Giant Live Asparagus Bare Roots (2yr Crowns) — 5 Plants
Jersey Giant crowns are prized for their size and high yield. As a big-yielding perennial, Jersey Giant has a long track record of producing a bountiful bushel basket of spears each season. The 2-year crowns are ready to establish a deep root network, helping plants withstand variable weather and provide years of harvests with continued care. The 5-plant option is suited for gardeners testing this cultivar or starting a dedicated Jersey Giant bed as a focal point in the garden.
Jersey Giant Live Asparagus Bare Root Plants (20 Plants) — 2yr Crowns
The 20-plant option expands a Jersey Giant planting project, offering a sizable bed capable of sustained harvests across multiple years. The 2-year crowns are designed to deliver strong initial growth and establish a durable root system for future seasons. Jersey Giant remains a favored selection for gardeners prioritizing high yield and practical, family-friendly crop management. For those planning a larger asparagus patch, this option provides a straightforward path to a productive bed with enduring performance.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations And Comparisons
When selecting asparagus roots for planting, consider climate, soil, and space to maximize long-term yield. Here are essential factors to evaluate:
- Variety characteristics: Mary Washington is a traditional, reliable heirloom with creamy spears, while Jersey Giant emphasizes large yields. If you want diversity, a mixed pack provides multiple harvest windows and flavor profiles.
- Root age and crowns: Two-year crowns generally establish faster and produce earlier spears than younger plugs. Size and vigor of the crowns influence initial performance.
- Soil preparation: Asparagus needs well-draining soil with adequate organic matter. A soil mix with sand can improve drainage in heavy soils; aim for a mound-and-plant approach to reduce crown rot risk.
- Sun exposure: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours) supports robust spear production and long-term crown health.
- Planting depth and spacing: Plant crowns about 12 inches deep in well-drained beds, spacing 18–24 inches apart to give roots room to expand. A deeper planting may be beneficial in colder regions to protect crowns during winter.
- Long-term maintenance: Regular weed control, minimal disturbance to the crown zone, and consistent watering during the first growing season help establish a strong bed. Mulching can regulate moisture and temperature.
- Harvest planning: Do not harvest in the first year after planting; allow crowns to establish. In year two, harvest sparingly to encourage crown expansion for year three and beyond.
- Availability and warranties: Some listings offer promotions or guarantees. Consider the reliability of the seller and potential regional shipping restrictions (note some products may not ship to certain states).
Comparative Snapshot
- Heirloom Mary Washington crowns deliver classic flavor and reliability, suitable for traditional home gardens.
- Jersey Giant crowns emphasize large yields and a generous harvest window, ideal for gardeners with growing space.
- Variety packs provide genetic diversity to spread risk and extend harvest seasons.
Across these options, the core requirements are healthy, well-drained soil, sufficient sunlight, and a patient approach during the first two seasons. Selecting a mix of Mary Washington and Jersey Giant crowns can balance early yield with long-term productivity, while larger packs are efficient for establishing a full bed. Always follow planting depth and spacing guidelines and monitor soil moisture to protect crowns during establishment.