How to Plant Ferns

Plant fern divisions with the crown level with the soil, never buried, in shade and moist, organic soil that drains. Most want about an inch of water a week.

How to Plant Ferns
When to plant
Any time during the growing season; spring and late summer to early fall are best
Depth
Crown level with the soil surface, never buried
Spacing
1–3 feet apart for clumping ferns such as Christmas fern; 3 feet or more for ostrich and royal ferns
Sun
Partial to full shade; strong sun yellows the fronds
Water
About 1 inch a week through the growing season; keep evenly moist
Soil
Rich in organic matter, moist but not soggy, pH 6–7

Step by step

  1. Choose a shady spot. A woodland edge or the north side of a building is ideal.
  2. Prepare the whole bed rather than single holes. Loosen the soil at least 12 inches deep and work in compost, so water can't pool in the planting holes and rot the roots.
  3. In heavy soil, raise the bed about 3 inches above the surrounding ground for drainage.
  4. Set each division with its crown level with the soil surface; burying it deeper invites rot.
  5. Firm the soil around the roots and water in.
  6. Mulch around the plants to hold moisture, keeping it off the crown.
  7. Water at the base (a soaker hose works well) and keep the soil evenly moist.

After bloom

Ferns don't flower; this is ongoing care. Remove damaged or diseased fronds as you see them. Feed lightly in spring after new growth appears, with compost or a slow-release fertilizer at the label rate; ferns are very sensitive to over-fertilizing. In fall, mulch to protect the shallow roots; pull the excess back in spring so fiddleheads can come through. Divide crowded clumps in spring or early fall. Keep a section of crown on every piece and replant level with the soil.
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