UC 72 Asparagus Seeds - (Asparagus officinalis)

UC 72 Asparagus - Plant Once, Harvest for Decades

After years of meticulous breeding and countless trials, a distinctive asparagus emerged from the renowned fields of UC Davis, a triumph destined to redefine the home gardener's experience. Building on the legacy of the beloved 'Mary Washington' variety, a staple in American gardens for over a century, UC72 Asparagus, affectionately known as 'Mary's Granddaughter,' is the crowning achievement of years of research dedicated to flavor, resilience, and longevity.

Some vegetables are fleeting friends, here for a season and gone with the first frost. Others become part of the family, their roots intertwining with our own as they grace our gardens for a lifetime. You'll look forward to that first bite of the tender spears of spring, their deep emerald color a promise of the ephemeral flavor that only homegrown asparagus can deliver. This is UC72's gift to you, ready to take root in your garden and grace your table for years to come.

Details

UC72 is an herbaceous perennial, typically reaching 3 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 18 inches to 3 feet. Its upright growth habit is adorned with delicate, feathery foliage, creating a graceful presence in the garden. As the plant matures, its unfurling fronds, reminiscent of emerald ferns, add a touch of wild elegance to the landscape. It produces small, bell-shaped, greenish-white to yellowish flowers; this dioecious variety has separate male and female plants.

This asparagus thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10 and exhibits remarkable resilience in warmer climates, withstanding drought conditions with ease. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners across the United States, including those in regions with hot summers or limited water resources.

Asparagus is a friend to pollinators, especially bees, which play a crucial role in the plant's flowering and fruit production. In late summer, female plants produce small, ornamental red berries. While visually appealing, these berries are not edible. The true delight of this asparagus lies in the young shoots, or spears, that emerge in early spring. These spears, typically 6 to 12 inches long and about 1/2 inch in diameter, are a culinary delight, particularly known for their dark green color and tightly closed, compact tips.

History

The story of asparagus unfolds across ages, with evidence of its use in Egyptian offerings as far back as 3000 BC. From its origins in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, wild asparagus thrived, eventually capturing the attention of the Greeks and Romans. It was the Romans, in fact, who truly embraced asparagus cultivation, recognizing its culinary value. Cato the Elder, in his "De Agri Cultura," detailed growing techniques, advocating for raised beds to optimize production. Even Pliny the Elder, in his "Natural History," praised the asparagus grown in "Julius Caesar's Garden," highlighting its esteemed place in Roman cuisine.

Spreading through Europe, asparagus found its way into monastic gardens during the Middle Ages, later achieving a new level of prestige by the 16th century, when it was considered a luxury in France and England. Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, had dedicated greenhouses built to cultivate this prized vegetable. Dutch and German horticulturists further refined asparagus varieties, ensuring its continued prominence in European gardens. Asparagus eventually crossed the Atlantic with French settlers in the 1600s and 1700s, eventually becoming a staple in American gardens.

One of the most beloved asparagus varieties in American gardens was "Mary Washington," introduced in 1913. This variety quickly gained popularity for its exceptional flavor, tender texture, and impressive yields. Its ability to thrive in various climates further solidified its place as a gardener's favorite. Building upon this esteemed heritage, breeders at the University of California, Davis, sought to enhance the strengths of "Mary Washington." The result was UC72, a worthy successor that inherited the exceptional qualities of its predecessor while boasting improved heat and drought tolerance and resistance to Fusarium Wilt. 

Uses

Asparagus might surprise you with its dexterity in the kitchen—this springtime delight takes center stage in countless dishes, equally at home in a simple stir-fry as it is gracing a delicate frittata. The tender young spears, bursting with a unique flavor and promising a taste of spring, are the true stars.

With its mild, grassy flavor, asparagus is equally happy leaping into a steaming stir-fry or lounging luxuriously on a bed of shaved Parmesan. Trim the ends, discarding any fibrous portions, and shave it thinly into salads, add it to grain bowls, or incorporate it into vegetable medleys. While flavorful raw, asparagus truly shines when cooked just so, its crisp, tender texture—and that satisfying snap of a perfectly cooked spear—a delightful contrast to its raw, delicate crunch. Overcooking quickly transforms this springtime delicacy into a mushy disappointment, so be careful to avoid overcooking.

• Steam, Grill, or Roast: Enhance the natural flavors with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Asian Inspiration: Stir-fried asparagus with chicken, shrimp, or beef is a Cantonese classic.
• Italian Elegance: Asparagus complements pasta dishes, risottos, and frittatas beautifully.
• A Flavorful Fusion: Lightly grilled asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese offers a simple yet elegant touch.
• Preserve the Bounty: To enjoy asparagus' unique flavor long after the season ends, try pickling it.

Beyond its many roles from garden to table, asparagus brings a touch of elegance to the garden. It's tall, fern-like foliage provides a graceful backdrop for other plants.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves strategically placing different plants together to create a harmonious and mutually beneficial environment. When it comes to asparagus, consider these companion planting strategies:

Beneficial Pairings: Tomatoes and Eggplant, Basil and Parsley, Marigolds and Nasturtiums.

Antagonistic Pairings: Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks) and Potatoes.

Planting and Growing Tips

To ensure your UC72 Asparagus thrives, choose a permanent location—with well-prepared soil and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily—where this bed can flourish for 15-20 years. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of 12 inches. Asparagus prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil, which helps prevent crown rot and other fungal diseases.

When starting UC72 Asparagus from seed, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil, spacing about 10 to 24 inches apart. Soil temperature should be 70 - 80°F for best germination, and seeds will sprout in 14 to 18 days. 

Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, to help the plants establish a strong root system. Feel the soil to ensure it's moist but not soggy—your asparagus will reward you with vigorous growth. Each spring, nourish the soil with a generous layer of aged compost or well-rotted manure—a gift that keeps on giving, just like your asparagus bed. Keep the asparagus bed weed-free. A thick layer of mulch not only suppresses weeds but also helps retain moisture—a win-win for your asparagus.

For the first two years after planting, it's crucial to allow the asparagus to "fern out." This means letting your asparagus grow freely for two years without harvesting any spears. Like a child spreading its wings, the asparagus needs time to establish its roots before sharing its bounty.

Harvest Tips

Harvesting your asparagus is a rewarding experience that requires patience. The reward is yours once those tender spears reach 6 to 8 inches tall in early spring! The tips of the spears should be tightly closed and firm, like tiny, emerald-green jewels reaching for the sky.

Enjoy harvesting for 6 to 8 weeks, but be sure to stop no later than mid-July. Then, allow the plants to store energy for the following year's growth, ensuring a bountiful harvest for years to come. When harvesting, cut the spears at ground level, taking care not to damage the surrounding spears or the crown of the plant. 

Learn More

• Asparagus with Tomato Pesto Dressing
• Young Asparagus with Prosciutto and Pine Nuts

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