Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Evergreen herbaceous perennial | White/emerald green |
|---|---|---|
| Spread: | 2-5 feet | Asparagaceae |
| Growth Rate: | Fast | Asparagus |
| Water Needs: | Moderate | densiflorus, retrofractus, setaceus |
| Common Pests: | Aphids, mealybugs, scale, slugs, spider mites, whiteflies | Crown rot, leaf spot, root rot |
How do you make asparagus ferns grow faster?
Provide some humidity by grouping plants together or misting regularly, especially in summer or if the central heating is on. Repot every couple of years, in spring. Asparagus ferns are fast growers, so if your plant is getting too large or out of shape, just trim it back with sharp scissors or secateurs.
Do asparagus ferns come back every year?
An Asparagus Fern is a perennial plant.
Then they are plants that return year after year without needing to be replanted.
Will asparagus fern spread?
Asparagus fern spreads by bird-dispersed seeds and vegetatively by tubers, which sprout far from the main plant. Asparagus fern can be found spreading along roadsides and invading secondary forest systems. Colonies are readily formed which displace native vegetation and prevent native species from reestablishing.
How tall will asparagus fern grow?
two feet
At maturity, the asparagus fern typically reaches up to two feet in height and can spread up to six feet wide. Native to South Africa, these hardy plants do best in dappled shade or full sun. Sometimes confused with the foxtail fern, the asparagus fern is not a true fern.
How do you make asparagus fern bushy?
Take a sharp pair of clean scissors and make a snip where you would like the stem to end. You can do this with all of the elongated stems given that they don’t make up over half the plant and then place your asparagus fern in a brighter spot and your plant should start to grow bushier rather than leggier.
Should I trim my asparagus fern?
All asparagus fern types need hard pruning every three years to rejuvenate their growth. It is best done in spring before new growth emerges. Cut back the entire plant to within 2 to 3 inches of the soil using sharp, clean pruning shears and discard the fronds.
Can asparagus ferns stay outside in winter?
Asparagus fern growing outdoors can withstand some very light frost, but freezing temperatures, below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, often kill the plant to the ground. After a light frost, the plants do grow back from the roots.
Does asparagus fern like sun or shade?
Plant asparagus fern in full sun or light shade; plants grown in full sun are more compact and dense than those grown in shade. It does best in moist soils rich in organic matter but tolerates almost any conditions and is fairly drought tolerant once established.
Will asparagus fern survive a freeze?
Overwintering Asparagus Ferns in the Garden
Although the plants need a period of winter dormancy, they cannot tolerate temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Better Homes and Gardens.
What is the lifespan of an asparagus fern?
What is the Lifespan of Asparagus Fern Plant? With proper care, the asparagus fern plant can live for over 10 years in which they can continue to grow.
How often should I water asparagus fern?
Water garden plants once or twice a week, so the soil doesn’t dry completely. Asparagus ferns are moderately drought tolerant, but they will grow at a slower rate without sufficient moisture, notes the University of Florida.
What plants pair well with asparagus fern?
Plants to Grow With Asparagus
- Nightshades, like tomatoes and eggplant.
- Basil and parsley.
- Coriander, comfrey, and dill.
- Members of the Aster family, like marigolds and nasturtiums.
How fast does asparagus grow in a day?
In the peak of asparagus season, asparagus spears can grow up to 2 inches per day, producing bountiful harvests for gardeners to enjoy.
How do you make a fern bushy?
Instead, trim off the side fronds at the base. Also remove old, discolored fronds near the soil to allow new growth to come through. Remove the unsightly stems to the base as well. The remainder of the plant can be clipped along the outer edges to the desired shape.
How do you keep asparagus ferns from getting leggy?
How to Fix Leggy Asparagus Ferns
- Spray the blades of your pruning tools with household antiseptic cleaner.
- Cut your asparagus fern to the ground in early spring every three years to keep the plant full from base to tip.
- Water well after pruning and allow the soil to almost dry between waterings.
Where do you place asparagus ferns?
The asparagus fern plant is not really a fern at all, but a member of the Liliaceae family. When growing asparagus ferns outside, place them in a part sun to shady location for best foliage growth.
What do I do with asparagus the first year?
Enjoy Your Asparagus Every Year
Don’t harvest your harvest during the first year. Just let the plants grow to give the crown a chance to become well established. You can start lightly harvesting your asparagus during the second year.
Do asparagus ferns have bulbs?
Asparagus ferns use their large bulblets for storing nutrients — if the plant encounters a soil deficiency, it uses its stored reserves until the environment improves.
Is asparagus fern poisonous to dogs?
Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur.
Can asparagus fern be divided?
Asparagus ferns tolerate splitting well and will quickly establish a productive new root system; however, they should only be split in early spring when the plant is dormant to prevent undue stress or damage to the roots.
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