Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that rewards gardeners with delicious, tender spears year after year. This perennial crop not only adds a gourmet touch to your kitchen but also makes a beautiful, feathery addition to garden beds when left to mature. Once established, asparagus plants can produce for 15 to 20 years offering a generous harvest each spring. If you’re ready to grow your own enduring asparagus patch, check out these 10 hardy, reliable varieties perfect for yearly harvests.
1. Mary Washington Asparagus
Mary Washington is a classic, time-tested heirloom asparagus variety loved for its reliable yields and excellent flavor. Known for its thick, tender, deep-green spears with purplish tips, this variety thrives in a range of climates and soils. It’s disease-resistant, especially to rust, and can produce generous harvests for up to 20 years. Gardeners appreciate its hardy nature and early-season spears. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil, and watch this resilient perennial return each year, stronger and more abundant.
2. Jersey Giant Asparagus
If you’re after big yields and robust plants, Jersey Giant is a top contender. This predominantly male hybrid produces large, flavorful spears and matures earlier than many traditional varieties. It’s particularly resistant to rust and fusarium wilt, making it ideal for organic gardeners. Jersey Giant thrives in cooler regions and tolerates winter well. With proper care, it will reliably return each spring for 15+ years, offering tender, mild-flavored asparagus perfect for grilling, steaming, or adding to salads.
3. Purple Passion Asparagus
For a vibrant twist on a classic vegetable, consider growing Purple Passion. This visually striking variety features rich, deep purple spears with a sweeter, nuttier flavor than green types. It’s excellent for eating raw in salads or lightly steamed. Purple Passion is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, producing dependable crops each spring. The spears turn green when cooked but retain their sweet, delicate taste. It’s a standout choice for gardeners who enjoy both beauty and flavor.
4. Jersey Knight Asparagus
Jersey Knight is another highly productive, mostly male hybrid known for its resistance to disease and cold-hardy nature. It produces thick, tender spears with excellent flavor and has an extended harvest period, often lasting several weeks in spring. Jersey Knight is perfect for northern gardens and challenging climates where other varieties struggle. Plant it in a sunny, well-drained spot, and enjoy this hardy, low-maintenance perennial that keeps coming back reliably year after year.
5. Viking KB3 Asparagus
If you want a dependable, adaptable asparagus variety, Viking KB3 is an excellent choice. It produces medium to large green spears with tight, compact tips and offers an early, abundant harvest. This variety is both cold and heat tolerant, making it suitable for a wide range of growing regions. Viking KB3 is a long-lasting perennial that can provide fresh, flavorful spears every year for two decades. It’s easy to grow in raised beds, garden rows, or sunny garden corners.
6. Apollo Asparagus
Known for its adaptability, Apollo Asparagus performs well in both cool and warm climates. It produces thick, tender, dark-green spears with tight tips and excellent flavor. Apollo is resistant to common asparagus diseases like rust and fusarium, making it a low-maintenance option for home gardeners. It’s also prized for its early-season harvest and long productive lifespan. With good care, Apollo plants will reward you with crisp, flavorful spears for 15–20 years, making it a wise addition to any perennial vegetable bed.
7. UC 157 Asparagus
A favorite among commercial growers and home gardeners alike, UC 157 is known for its high yields and fast-growing nature. It produces slender, tender green spears with exceptional flavor and matures earlier than many heirloom types. This variety thrives in a range of soils and climates and offers excellent disease resistance. Once established, UC 157 can produce an abundant harvest every spring for many years. It’s perfect for gardeners looking for a quick-growing, dependable perennial crop.
8. Grande Asparagus
Grande Asparagus lives up to its name with its tall, robust plants and thick, flavorful spears. It’s a cold-hardy, mostly male variety that produces reliable yields of tender green spears with tight tips. Grande is resistant to common asparagus diseases and adapts well to a variety of soil types. It’s a long-lasting perennial that begins producing after two to three years and keeps coming back for up to 20 years. Plant in sunny, well-drained areas for best results.
9. Sweet Purple Asparagus
Sweet Purple Asparagus is a unique variety known for its sweet, tender spears and stunning deep-purple color. It produces thicker spears than many green varieties and has a milder, less fibrous texture perfect for raw salads or light steaming. Sweet Purple turns green when cooked but retains its delicate, nutty flavor. This hardy perennial is easy to grow in most climates and will return each spring for many years with minimal maintenance. It also adds a lovely pop of color to edible landscapes.
10. Jersey Supreme Asparagus
Jersey Supreme is a reliable, early-producing hybrid favored for its thick, high-quality spears and vigorous growth. It thrives in a wide range of soil types and growing conditions and is resistant to fusarium, crown rot, and rust. Like other members of the Jersey series, this predominantly male variety produces heavy yields and requires little maintenance. Once established, Jersey Supreme plants will deliver flavorful, crisp spears every spring for up to 20 years, making it a top pick for both new and experienced gardeners.