SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Washington

Family: Asparagaceae Vegetable
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Washington to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Succulent spears of Washington rise with a poised, tender snap and a distinctly sweet, green flavor that feels luminous from the first bite.

The texture is notably fine—firm yet yielding—making these spears a standout for fresh spring enjoyment and for turning into silky, spoonable preparations, from quick sauces to elegant roasts. Grow Washington for a dependable, garden-worthy harvest rhythm and a classic asparagus experience with a refined, bright character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 730 DaysHabit: Perennial_Crown

Botanical illustration of Washington

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 730-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostApr 25th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity730
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitPerennial_Crown
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)50
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Washington asparagus brings a precise, luminous sweetness with fine fiber that cooks down into silk without turning stringy. It’s the kind of spear that holds a quick, hot sear beautifully, then finishes buttery-bright in a lemon-butter or spoonable puree.

Best Uses

  • hot-plate grilling or blister-roasting where the spears keep their snap while edges caramelize
  • quick lemon-butter pan sauce that turns glossy and clingy to the spear
  • silky puree or soup where the fine fiber becomes spoonable
  • fresh shaved asparagus with olive oil, salt, and a sharp vinegar cut

Flavor Profile

sweet green flavor tender snap with fine, yielding fiber clean, grassy brightness gentle buttery finish when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lemon grated parmesan olive oil butter eggs white fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common problem on asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), and how do I fix it?
Asparagus beetles (adults and larvae) can skeletonize spears and weaken plants, especially in summer when foliage is active. Hand-pick adults and remove larvae early, then treat with a labeled insecticidal soap or spinosad if damage is expanding—focus on the plant’s tops and undersides of fronds. Keep beds weed-free around the crowns to reduce shelter and re-check every 2–3 days during peak beetle activity.
How often should I water asparagus during the main growing phase?
During active spear and frond growth, keep the soil evenly moist at about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 soakings if it’s hot or windy. Water deeply enough to reach the crown/root zone (asparagus roots are deeper than many garden crops) and avoid letting the bed dry out completely between waterings. Mulch after spears emerge to stabilize moisture and prevent stress that can reduce spear thickness and yield.
How can I tell when my asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is ready to harvest?
Harvest spears when they are firm and typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall with tips still tight and not yet beginning to fan open into fronds. Cut spears at the soil line (or just below) using a sharp knife, and do not harvest heavily in the first 1–2 seasons—take only light amounts to let the crown build reserves. In mature beds, check daily during warm weather because spears can become too mature and fibrous quickly.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Washington in Zone 6b typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Washington.

Garden Alerts

Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 730-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Washington in Zone 6b typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Washington.

Garden Alerts

Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 730-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 32°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start asparagus crowns/seed in warm conditions, then transplant/plant out only once nights are reliably above freezing and keep the bed weed-free the first year to protect developing crowns.