Imagine a typical fern by closing your eyes. Chances are, you’ve imagined something close to the ostrich fern. This fern can be found in gardens across North America.
Not only are they popular with gardeners. Foragers are also enamored with the fiddleheads, which appear in spring and have a flavor that is often compared to that of asparagus. Just be sure you’re actually dealing with the correct species before harvesting, as many fern fiddleheads are toxic.
This species is a must-have for shade gardens. They are easy to maintain and require little maintenance. Find out more by reading on How to grow and take care of ostrich ferns.
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What is it exactly?
Scientifically known as Matteuccia struthiopterisThis classic garden fern gets its name from the fluffy, green fronds which resemble grand ostrich feathers.
As a North American native plant (it’s also found in parts of Europe and Asia), it grows incredibly well in gardens across the US, dispelling any hard-to-grow reputation other ferns may have.
Ostrich ferns have beautiful fronds. Ability to grow in shadeThey can easily fill in the gaps left by trees and garden structures. Their long history gives them an old-fashioned woodland feel, and their ancestors date back over 300,000,000 years. In fact, they are known as ‘dinosaur plants’ in my house thanks to this historical significance.
But planting them doesn’t only add ornamental value to your garden. This species is also among the few that produce edible fiddleheads – often considered a culinary delicacy and a great ingredient to play with in the kitchen. These plants can be found all over North America. They are popular with foragers.
Characteristics
The fronds on ostrich ferns can grow to impressive heights, reaching up to 6 feet. These fronds are arranged in a circular pattern. They gently arch outwards, creating a lush and full appearance.
The sterile fronds are bright green and serve as a backdrop to the shorter fertile leaves that can emerge in the spring on some plants. These fertile counterparts can be distinguished from sterile ones by their unique size and color. They take on a dark, almost chocolatey hue when mature. Fertile fronds release spores while sterile are harvested as fiddleheads.
As temperatures drop, the green fronds turn golden brown. The fern sheds its sterile leaves during the colder months. Fertile leaves will remain on plant.
While these plants can be spread by spores or underground rhizomes, they are reproduced much faster. Their spread can become quite aggressive if not controlled, so it’s important to remember when deciding on a planting location.
Planting
The best time to plant is in the fall, before frost. This gives the roots ample time to establish. Planting in the early spring is also possible, before new growth begins. As they grow, you can plant them. prefer cooler temperatures Planting during cooler seasons can help reduce root stress.
These ferns can adapt to a variety of conditions, but they do best in partial or full shade. The best place to grow ferns is under a canopy of trees, or on the shaded side your house or garden structure. It is not only a way to protect them from midday heat, but it also recreates the conditions they like.
When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole about twice the size of the container and amend the soil with compost to Improve your health by retaining moisture. Place the fern into the hole, keeping the crown at ground level or above the surface of the soil. Burying it too deeply could cause the crown to rot.
Fill in the remaining gaps, and press gently around the base of your plant to remove any large air pockets. After planting, water the soil to settle it around the roots. If you’re planting multiple ferns, spacing about 2 feet between each is recommended to account for their spread.
Planting Containers
Container gardening is an option for those who are limited in space.
The container you choose should be deep and wide enough to allow for the root system to grow and balance the tall fronds. Also, make sure that the container has adequate drainage holes Prevent waterlogging to avoid rot.
Mix the potting mix with compost and fill up the container to ensure that it retains moisture. Containers can dry out very quickly. The same planting rule applies – the crown should sit level with the soil’s surface.
Given their love for moisture, it’s crucial to monitor the soil in containers regularly, ensuring it remains consistently moist but not soggy. A quick growth rate will require you to repot or divide your plants quite frequently.
How to Grow
When you plant ostrich ferns correctly, they can take care of themselves. Some extra watering may be needed in dry areas, but beyond that, these plants won’t give you any trouble. Their rapid growth makes it difficult to control their spread.
Light
The ferns’ woodland habitats make them very particular about sunlight. These plants, like other ferns have evolved to thrive where sunlight filters through dense foliage. Shades, partial to total This native condition is the best to match.
Direct sunlight can dry out the fronds quickly, and even kill the plant if it is at its peak during the midday hours. The intense rays cause the fronds to turn brown and wilt in a matter of hours.
If you’re planting outdoors, consider locations shielded from intense afternoon sun, either behind taller plants or Under the shade of a large tree. Store them in containers out of direct sunlight and undercover.
The deep shade can help to slow down their growth and spread. This will affect the color and health of the fronds. These ferns thrive in partial shade.
Water
The ostrich fern grows on moist forest floors. love moisture. It is better to have constant access to water than completely dry out. It also helps to keep the roots cool in hotter climates.
But despite their love of water, there’s such a thing. Prolonged exposure to Waterlogged conditions can cause root rotThe crown is damaged and the rest of plant dies. While it’s essential to ensure the soil remains moist, it’s equally crucial to ensure it’s well-draining.
These ferns will appreciate a good watering during the summer months whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. If you want to reduce the frequency as the autumn season approaches and growth slows down, do so, but don’t let the soil completely dry out.
The soil will dry out faster in a container, so the ferns need to be watered more frequently. To prevent the roots from drying, test the soil once a week.
Soil
The organic matter in soils is enriched by the accumulation of layers of debris. This rich medium What is the best way to get in touch with us? Retains moisture and essential nutrients, ensuring the fern’s roots remain hydrated without becoming waterlogged.
It is best to use a rich loam, with lots of compost added. Sandy soils will dry too quickly and heavy clays can cause crown rot. Compost of the highest quality will help to improve soil conditions for either type.
It is important to have good drainage, especially in areas with low lying terrain where water can accumulate in your garden. A well-draining soil ensures Water that is not needed can be quickly drained away The roots will be happy if the soil is kept moist.
A mixture of potting soil and compost with a little bark added for drainage will create the perfect conditions for ferns in pots.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant has a delicate appearance, but is very resilient when it comes to temperature. They are most comfortable when USDA Zones 3-7They prefer mild and cool climates to hot ones. They can, however, grow up to zone 9 in heavily shaded forests (such as those in the northern California redwood forest).
During the peak of summer, it’s essential to shield them from scorching heat, especially in zones at the higher end of their preferred range. The plants can tolerate colder temperatures, even those below freezing. They will recover once spring returns.
For healthy, long fronds, high humidity levels that mimic their native forest conditions are ideal. They are happy in any environment. Humidity levels above 30%. When the air around the plant is dry, keeping the soil moist all the time will help to increase humidity.
Fertilizing
They are low maintenance and that includes their feeding needs. If you’ve planted in rich soil amended with compost to boost nutrients, you won’t need to worry about fertilizing. Compost added every few months can help to maintain soil levels and improve soil health. Ferns will be happy all year round.
Add a slow release fertilizer once a year to the soil, in the early spring. Don’t overdo it – overfertilizing can actually stunt growth rather than improving it. Instead, boost nutrients by adding organic matter to the soil.
Maintenance
In their first year of growth, ostrichferns benefit from a mulch layer to protect the roots and maintain soil moisture. This mulch will also break down over time, providing nutrients. Once established in their new homes, they won’t need as much attention unless temperatures increase or rain dips unusually.
You can trim the fronds to tidy up the garden as the cooler months approach and they start to turn color. By removing the fronds at the end of winter or in early spring, you can also encourage new growth and ensure your fern will look its best once the weather starts to warm.
The plant will look neater and you can prevent fungal and pest diseases from settling in during the cooler seasons.
It is important to maintain your vehicle. Spread of the virus. Rhizomes can spread underground quickly, forming new ferns in unexpected locations. It can be a good way to fill up empty space, but it can also overtake other areas in the garden. You can manage the growth by dividing and checking your ferns periodically.
Propagation
This species can spread quickly by itself. If you need to move your plants into containers or another area of the garden, it is very easy to propagate.
Dividens The most common way to propagate these ferns is by cutting them. This should be done early in spring or autumn to benefit from mild temperatures and additional moisture.
Lift the mature plant with a spade, or fork. Be careful not to damage its roots. The plant should be removed completely. Take a look at the Rhizome. Use a sharp, sanitized shear or knife to gently separate the sections of rhizome. Ensure that each division is attached with a healthy set roots.
Once you have your divisions, it’s time to plant them in their new homes. You can follow the same planting instructions you would use when buying a brand new plant. With the right care, you’ll soon see the fern’s signature fronds unfurling, indicating the roots have become established.
Propagating Spores
Division is the easiest propagation method, but it’s not the only one. You can also try propagating ferns by spores, if you are interested in trying a new garden experiment. This method is more complex than division but the excitement of Raising a fern out of a tiny spore This is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Start by identifying the fertile fronds – typically darker, shorter, and more tightly curled than the sterile ones. As they mature they produce clusters of spores. Place the mature fronds in a bag of paper. When the frond dries out, you’ll notice a fine, Dusty residue inside – these are the spores.
Then, fill the container with peat, seedling mix, and perlite. Then, water the mix with boiling hot water to sterilize and cool it before planting. Gently sprinkle the collected spores over the prepared growing medium, ensuring they’re evenly spread.
Cover the tray using a clear plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse. Place the tray somewhere with indirect, bright light. Make sure the medium is consistently moist, but not wet. The spores are likely to germinate in the following weeks and produce a greenish carpet, called prothallia.
Once you’ve read this, you will understand why. The prothallia forms tiny structures that resemble ferns, they’re ready to be transplanted. Use a sterilised tool to lift them gently and then transplant into separate pots for continued growth.
Harvesting
Early spring’s young, coiled fronds are an exciting sight and a Harvest this delicious treat. If you know for sure that the ferns in your garden are indeed Matteuccia struthiopterisWhen these appear, you will be greeted with a bounty delicious fruits and vegetables!
Prepare gloves, a knife or scissors that is sharp and look for tightly coiled young fronds. Make sure they are firm and bright green. They should not be taller than 6 inches. Cut them gently close to the ground. Be careful not to cut all of a single plant. The fern will grow and flourish if you leave a majority.
Once you’ve gathered your fiddleheads, clean them thoroughly. Then, rinse them with cold water and gently rub to remove any dirt. Remove all debris. It’s common to find small insects, so a thorough cleaning is crucial. You can also soak your clothes in cold, running water. This will allow pests to float on the surface.
After harvesting, you’re ready to cook. Fiddleheads should never be consumed raw – Boil them for 15 minutes at least Or steam for 10 to 15 minutes before you cook. After boiling, they are best sautéed in butter with garlic and used as a side.
Their flavor is often likened to asparagus and pairs beautifully with lemon or white wine. You can also add them to pasta along with other spring vegetables.
Before consuming any fiddleheads – foraged or harvested from the garden – it’s crucial to be absolutely certain of their identification. Other fern varieties have toxic fiddleheads that cannot be eaten, so be sure of what you’ve got before cooking.
Common Problems
The ostrich fern is usually trouble-free. It’s resistant to most garden pests and grows well. The most common problem you’ll face is controlling their spread, but there are also a few other issues to look out for.
Violent Spread
The rhizomes of these ferns spread rapidly through the soil. Although this can create a The lush forest lookIt could also be a. Overshadowing other plants.
If they are spreading beyond the designated area, consider installing barriers or border to control their growth. Divide and transplant them if they grow outside their designated area.
Crispy Leaves
The fronds will become a tangled mess Brown and Crispy, particularly around the edges, it’s usually a sign of insufficient moisture or excessive sunlight.
These ferns grow best in areas with consistently moist soil. Ensure they’re watered regularly, especially during dry spells, and consider relocating them if they’re exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Pests
While these plants aren’t pest-prone, you may encounter Slugs and snailsInspect your ferns every evening, when these pests are most active. Inspect your ferns every evening during the time when these pests will be most active. Use organic slug or snail baits, or make your own beer traps to control these pests.
Diseases
Fungal diseases It is possible to get sick, especially if the air is not circulated properly and there’s too much moisture in the environment. To reduce the risk, ensure that soil is not soggy or waterlogged. Also, regularly trim dead or diseased fronds.
FAQs
In most areas they are not considered invasive, despite their vigorous growth and ability to spread quickly in ideal conditions. If you want to keep your garden in check, you will need to be aware of the spreading nature of these plants and implement measures that can help manage their growth.
A lack of water or dry conditions can cause browning leaves, especially on the leaf margins. Intense sunlight can cause the fronds to become brown. The plant’s natural cycle includes brown fronds, which die in the winter and emerge again the next spring.
The species is able to adapt to container growth if the pots are large enough. The pots allow you to control the spread of your plants, which is a good option for those who wish to grow them but don’t worry about their expansive growth.
Choose a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. Also, make sure the container you choose has drainage holes. Container-grown ferns need more frequent attention and watering during warmer months.
Young fiddleheads can be eaten and are harvested in the spring. They can be sautéed, boiled, or even fried. But it is vital to identify the fern fiddleheads, because not all are edible.
Final Thoughts
Fill your shade garden as quickly as possible if you are in a rush or wish to. Add an edible and stunning fernYou should choose the ostrichfern as your first option. With the right location and a little attention, you’ll wonder why you didn’t plant them sooner.