How to Grow Ferns (Ostrich, Cinnamon, Christmas)

Ferns (Ostrich, Cinnamon, Christmas)

Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich), Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon), Polystichum setiferum (Christmas)

fern

Ferns are ancient, non-flowering plants that reproduce via spores rather than seeds. These three varieties are popular ornamental ferns prized for their elegant foliage and ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments. They range from deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on variety and climate.

Looking for a specific variety?

Ostrich Fern Cinnamon Fern Christmas Fern Soft Shield Fern Japanese Painted Fern Autumn Fern

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial to full shade; 2-4 hours of indirect light daily. Most ferns prefer dappled sunlight beneath tree canopies

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times per week during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Mist foliage regularly to maintain humidity (50-80% ideal)

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Spacing: 18-36 inches

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Days to maturity: Ferns mature slowly; fronds unfurl over 2-4 weeks after emergence; full plant maturity 1-3 years

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Planting depth: Rhizome planted at soil surface or just barely covered (do not bury the crown)

Soil

Type: Rich, organic, moisture-retentive soil with excellent drainage to prevent root rot

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Leaf mold Perlite (for drainage) Well-rotted bark

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Ostrich (3-8), Cinnamon (3-9), Christmas (6-10); most hardy in cooler zones

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Rhizome Establishment

2-4 weeks

Dormant rhizome is planted; fine roots begin to develop from the underground stem

Keep soil consistently moist; maintain cool temperatures; mulch lightly to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Fiddlehead Emergence

2-3 weeks

Tightly coiled young fronds (fiddleheads) emerge from the rhizome, resembling violin scrolls

Ensure high humidity; protect from direct sun and strong winds; continue consistent moisture; avoid fertilizing

Frond Unfurling

3-6 weeks

Fiddleheads gradually uncurl and expand into mature fronds with characteristic pinnate or bipinnate structure

Maintain humidity and moisture; begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength; no pruning needed

Vegetative Growth

2-3 months

Mature fronds fully expand; new fronds continue to emerge; plant develops fuller appearance. (Ostrich & Cinnamon deciduous; Christmas semi-evergreen)

Water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season; mulch to 2-3 inches; remove dead fronds as needed

Spore Production & Dormancy

4-6 months

Spore-bearing structures (sporangia) develop on underside of fronds, appearing as rusty-brown or reddish clusters. Deciduous varieties die back in fall; evergreen types persist

Allow spores to mature naturally; reduce watering for deciduous types in fall; do not remove fronds prematurely; mulch over winter

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Coral bells (Heuchera) Astilbe Hellebore Bleeding heart (Dicentra) Epimedium Solomon's seal Liriope Brunnera Goatsbeard

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring full sun and dry conditions Aggressive spreaders in moist soils (e.g., mint, bindweed) Deep-rooted plants competing for moisture

Common Pests

Increase humidity by misting; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
Hand-remove; apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray; inspect new plants before planting
Wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray with insecticidal soap; quarantine infested plants
and
Remove debris and shelter areas; hand-pick; use copper tape barriers; apply slug bait if severe
Ensure well-draining soil; improve drainage; use nematode-resistant amendments; solarize soil if necessary

Uses

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Edible Fiddleheads

Culinary

Ostrich fern fiddleheads are a delicacy in spring, resembling asparagus in flavor with a slightly nutty taste. They can be steamed, sautéed, blanched, or pickled. [source]

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Cut Foliage & Floristry

Household

Fern fronds are prized by florists and floral designers as elegant green filler for bouquets, arrangements, and decorative displays. They add texture and longevity to cut flower arrangements. [source]

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Pressed Specimens & Crafts

Craft

Fern fronds are traditionally pressed and dried for botanical art, scrapbooking, and herbarium collections. They retain their shape and delicate structure when dried. [source]

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Shade Garden Structure

Wildlife

Ferns provide shelter, nesting material, and shade-loving habitat for beneficial insects, amphibians, and small woodland creatures. They stabilize moist soils and prevent erosion. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Ferns, particularly cinnamon fern, have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory support and inflammation. Modern herbalism explores fern extracts for antioxidant properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ferns are ornamental foliage plants, not typically harvested like vegetables. Ostrich fern fiddleheads are edible and can be harvested in spring when tightly coiled, before fronds unfurl—snap off 2-3 inches from ground. For cut fronds as greenery, cut mature fronds at the base using clean shears; they last 2+ weeks in water. Do not remove more than one-third of fronds at once.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ferns are among the oldest land plants, with fossils dating back over 300 million years. They thrived during the Carboniferous period and predate flowering plants by 200+ million years.
🌱 Fern reproduction is unique: they produce spores (not seeds) on the undersides of fronds. A single mature fern can release millions of spores, though only a tiny fraction develop into new plants.
🌱 Ostrich ferns are the only fern species commercially harvested in North America for food; they are a sustainable, wild-harvested specialty crop sold as 'fiddleheads' in spring farmers' markets.

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