Mary Washington Asparagus is one of the oldest asparagus varieties in the United States. While growing asparagus from seed does take longer than growing from crowns, once an asparagus bed is established, you will be able to enjoy asparagus for decades. This hardy perennial crop is the gift that keeps on giving. 
 
Asparagus seeds grow best when soils are between 77 and 86 degrees. Asparagus loves healthy soil, rich in nutritious organic material. Mixing a generous dose of finished compost or fully composted manure into the garden bed before planting will increase the water holding capacity of the soil, improve drainage and feed beneficial organisms.
 
If you plan to sow seeds directly in the garden, you can check the soil temperature with a soil thermometer. Plant the seeds between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch deep in drills. Space rows about 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart within rows.
 
Spread 3 inches of straw mulch over the bed to help suppress weed competition and protect the tender asparagus seedlings. Be gentle while weeding to prevent damaging the delicate young plants. Keep an eye on water as the seedlings become established.
 
You can also start asparagus seeds indoors 12 to 14 weeks before planting and move them out to the garden after the danger of frost has passed. It takes asparagus seed between three and six weeks to sprout. You can soak seeds in water overnight before planting to speed up germination.
 
Fill a pot with a standard soilless potting mixture. Scatter several seeds on the surface, then lightly cover with the growing mix. Once the seedlings have emerged, trim out all but the healthiest plant from each pot. Plant outdoors when temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees. Avoid burying the seedlings too deeply.
 
Do not harvest any seed-grown asparagus for the first two years.