The Best Time To Plant Ferns And Why Timing Makes All The Difference

With their bristling leaves in hues of green, purple, and silver, ferns are a great landscaping choice for adding texture and foliage in your yard. There are so many varieties of ferns to pick from, from the amazing bird's nest fern with its exotic appeal to the cinnamon fern that is perfect for container gardens. However, the time of year you choose to plant out your ferns can make or break their overall health. 

The best time to plant ferns outdoors depends on your climate. However, spring and fall planting is often better than summer planting, as there are usually fewer weather extremes in these seasons. Ferns can suffer from heat stress if planted in the summer, and they may find it difficult to establish themselves because of the drier, summer soil. If you live in a location that has wet or freezing winters, plant your ferns in the spring. This will help you avoid root rot in delicate, young plants. Ferns can get damaged by constant freezing and thawing in winter, which can also cause issues for new plants. So, always plant your ferns in the spring if you live in a colder climate.

However, if you live in a particularly hot climate, a fall planting is best. A lot of ferns need decent moisture in the soil, especially when they are establishing themselves. A fall planting will allow them to settle in before the warmth of the summer months. Their root system will hopefully have developed over winter and spring to make them strong for drought and heat. 

While choosing the right time of year to plant your fern can make a difference to how well it settles in and thrives, there are other factors to consider when planting out ferns. Most ferns need soil with a pH of between 6 and 7 that is rich in organic matter. Well-drained soil that retains its moisture is great for ferns, as they tend to suffer if they dry out. Pick a spot with light or dappled shade for your fern, as it can wilt and die under full sun. 

When the timing is right and you have found the perfect location for your fern, dig a large hole and mix in some organic matter. Then, place your fern in the soil and fill in the edges. Try to keep the crown just above the ground. Water the base of the plant well, avoiding the fronds, and keep an eye on the moisture levels as your fern settles in over the following months. Water helps them develop a strong root system, but overwatering can cause root rot, which may be treatable.

Once your fern has established itself, it can become a great, low-maintenance plant. You may wish to give it a little balanced fertilizer in the spring and remove any debris from the plant, but that's really it! Ferns can take a while to really settle in and flourish, so be patient. In a few years after planting, ferns really thrive, and you can enjoy their wonder season after season.