Martha Washington will grow in our area, but it hasn't been very prolific for me. I mostly use it raw in salads. I live in Panama City. Good luck.

I just got some "Jersey Giant" variety, which I'm going to try out. This (asparagus) will be a new crop for me as well...

I read that it doesn't do well in the gulf coast, the soil needs to get very cold, while it is in dormancy. I bought some too. I am planning on putting ice on top of the soil next winter, to see if that will work. Barbra

I called the nursery where I bought my asparagus from to ask what variety I boutht, it was in the refrig. and just said asparagus. I was told it is UC72, does really well in South Texas. They were just beautiful fleshy roots. Barbra

Well I just spent a week in Rockport Tx, putting in my new asparagus bed. The nurseryman told me I would not need to ice down the asparagus bed. The variety I bought does not require cold weather. I will need to add 2 inches of dirt every other week, until the bed is 8 inches deep. Thank goodness our Lowes sells broken bags half price. Barbra

Just got back from the coast, the asparagus bed I put in 2 weeks ago already has plants coming up. I can't believe I already have baby asparagus . I added 1 inch of soil today, I will add one inch every other week until the bed is 8 inches deep. I was told that I need to cut down the new plants the first year, and will not be able to get any asparagus until the 2nd year. Is that true? Barbra

No, that is not true! Don't harvest any, but do let the ferns grow to feed next years crop. I have Martha Washington, Jersey Supreme, and Purple Passion & all do well.

Thanks for answering my question, my asparagus bed is full of new sprouts. I will let them grow into fern. I wish everything grew that fast. Barbra

I've raised asparagus for several years. The trick is not to cut the spears for eating for 2 years after planting- let it go to fern. Then trim the fern back to the ground every January for the new spears to come up. Good Luck