UC 157

UC 157 is a high-yielding hybrid asparagus developed at the University of California, Davis, and is the leading commercial variety in warm-climate asparagus production regions such as California, Mexico, and Peru. Bred for heat tolerance and heavy early yields, it produces uniform, smooth green spears with tightly closed tips that are well suited to fresh-market shipping. It performs best in warmer zones where many northern Jersey varieties struggle, making it a good choice for USDA zones 6 to 9 and mild-winter areas. Plants are vigorous and productive, and improved all-male strains have been selected to boost yield further. Home gardeners in hot regions favor UC 157 for its reliability, uniformity, and ability to crop well where cold-adapted varieties underperform.