Asparagus Uc157 F2 Hybrid – 20 Seeds

Asparagus Uc157 F2 Hybrid is the second generation hybrid produced from the original UC 157, developed and released by University of California-Davis. The original UC 157 was developed by Frank Takatori and Frank Southers at the University of California at Riverside in 1978. This is the most widely planted fresh market asparagus variety in the world. This variety shows earliness in production, multi-spear initiation (3-5 at a time), uniformity in color & size, and heavier yields than other commercial varieties. Plants display excellent disease resistance, produce an abundance of very uniform spears and the spears offer terrific flavor and texture. UC157 F2 is one of the most popular asparagus varieties. It prefers milder winters and does well under high temperatures. Early spears have uniform light green, tight and tapering heads. Excellent resistance to rust and root rot.

Growing Asparagus Uc157 F2 Hybrid

• Prefers loose, deep soils high in organic matter.
• Prefers pH near 7.0, but tolerates a wide range. Add lime and fertilizer to the garden bed before establishment.
• Can be grown in full sun to partial afternoon shade
• Sow Indoors: Start your Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds indoors 3–4 months prior to the average last frost.
• Fill a 1 1/2-inch-deep seed flat with sterile potting soil and sow the seeds 1/2-inch deep and 2 inches apart in the flat.
• Water the potting soil to keep it moist and grow in a sunny window for one year before transplanting to a permanent bed outdoors.
• Sow Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked. If planting seeds directly outdoors, wait until all chance of frost has passed.
• The seed should be sown in fairly deep furrows and the furrows should be filled up to allow the crowns to be 10cm beneath the soil surface.
• Water during dry spells during the first year. Do not overwater as plants don’t tolerate water-logged soils.
• Midsummer mulching will help to control weeds and keep soil from drying out.
• Regularly apply compost or well-rotted manure to provide a steady source of nutrients.
• Keep the planting bed around asparagus free of weeds and clean up all plant debris in autumn.
• Do not cut back ferns in Autumn until they die naturally.