Be thorough. The dust mask will keep you from inhaling the powdery spores that the fronds bear on the underside of the leaves. Pruning Asparagus Ferns. Wipe the blades dry with a … The gloves will protect you from the fine, often prickly hairs that many ferns have. Sometimes, as in the case of A. densiflorus, propagation must take place through cuttings and make them in the spring, leaving a part of the rhizome and some leaves in the cuttings. The most common - Asparagus Sprengeri - is covered on this page. of mulch to your asparagus bed. How to Trim an Asparagus Fern. Step 3 Prune back the entire fern every three years or when it becomes leggy and overgrown. It is native to South Africa. Put on fabric gloves and perhaps a long-sleeved shirt before you begin handling the stems and prickly leaves on your asparagus fern. Pruning Asparagus Plants Pruning is an important part of proper edible plant care, and in the case of asparagus, it’s particularly easy to do. New fuller and more compact stems will quickly grow back. Dip the blades in the disinfectant cleaner and let it sit for at least five minutes. The name asparagus fern comes from the fact that the new growth resembles tiny asparagus spears. Examine the plant, noting which stems are either too long, scraggy or plagued with too many yellow leaves. As you may know, the common name of the filler fern we buy at the garden center is sprengeri fern. The asparagus fern is a type of South African perennial that is common throughout North America as both a container plant and a ground cover. Don’t be afraid to take off several inches of growth or more if needed. Asparagus ferns produce berries that are mildly toxic if ingested. All asparagus fern types need hard pruning every three years to rejuvenate their growth. Regular trimming combined with occasional rejuvenation pruning helps them retain their shape and remain healthy. It's easiest to cut back the fern in the spring before the new leaves emerge. Just find a spot in your basement or garage that doesn’t get below 45 degrees, and your ferns should overwinter beautifully. Get your gloves on and peak beneath those long trusses of growth. First, get a good look from all angles. Some people prefer to just trim a little to shape their fern while others choose to cut all stems back to be just a few inches above the soil level. Wash pruning shears in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water to disinfect them. Climbing asparagus ferns can be lightly trimmed without issue, so just cut back the unwanted growth to the nearest branching stem, although North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension recommends cutting the fronds all the way back to the root whenever possible. It was named for the German botanist, Carl Ludwig Sprenger (1846-1917). Comb with your gloves downwards to get rid of the dead bits. You don’t have to provide your ferns with a light source (even a dark spot is okay), and you don’t have to give them any special care. Easy care asparagus fern plants, native to South Africa, are not true ferns at all but rather members of the lily family. The latin word “plume” meand feather. Cutting Back Asparagus Plants While the growth habits of leaves on asparagus plants make them look a bit like ferns, asparagus is not actually a fern. Pruning: Prune back stem tips as expected to maintain plant form and promote dense foliage growth. Correctly identifying the problem is crucial before trying to fix your plant. Cut out the dead stems near their base using clean, sharp shears. The long stems covered in springy, fern-like foliage usually make a pleasant mound. These ornamental cousins of the edible asparagus grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, but they also flourish as houseplants. Pruning: Prune back stem tips as expected to maintain plant form and promote dense foliage growth. The asparagus plant is a warmth loving plant that needs humidity and a well-draining soil. Asparagus ferns prefer to be pot bound, so yearly division is not needed or desirable. Plant sap may also cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when you are pruning. Put on fabric gloves and perhaps a long-sleeved shirt before you begin handling the stems and prickly leaves on your asparagus fern. Asparagus ferns prefer to be pot bound, so yearly division is not needed or desirable. The name asparagus fern comes from the fact that the new growth resembles tiny asparagus spears. Just find a spot in your basement or garage that doesn’t get below 45 degrees, and your ferns should overwinter beautifully. Mature plants become woody and can develop sharp spines on the branches, so take caution while trimming older specimens, and wear gardening gloves if you plan to prune an older plant. My preparation also includes weeding as you can see haha! The fern can become established in your garden and may turn invasive if not managed properly. I’d get that out of there if it’s not edible. As an alternative to in-ground planting, consider setting pots of asparagus fern out among specimen plantings to contain their spread. Wear gloves when cutting back or working closely with asparagus ferns because they can cause skin irritation on contact. If you have issues with disease or insects, it’s best to cut the tops off of your asparagus. Anyone who has grown a fern knows they can certainly grow quite large through the warm summer months. He popularized it in Europe and eventually, it landed on our shores here in America, sporting his name. To prune an asparagus fern, it’s essential to wear protective gloves. Spray the blades of your pruning tools with household antiseptic cleaner. Cut back the entire plant to within 2 to 3 inches of the soil using sharp, clean pruning shears and discard the fronds. Prepare the Seeds. Allow a potted asparagus fern to drape over a windowsill or ledge. In mid Autumn you should cut your asparagus ferns back to about 6 inches high - at least this is what we have read from multiple sources, and it has worked for us. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. It is not actually a member of the fern family, but is more closely related to the asparagus family. Indoor Asparagus Fern Plant - Asparagus densiflorus "Sprengeri" This drooping form of Asparagus fern (Emerald Feather), needs a haircut each spring. Asparagus ferns (Asparagus densiflorus) won't show up on your dinner plate, but they will add texture and interest to your outdoor garden. Scrub the blades and hinges with a stiff brush and then rinse the shears well to wash away any debris. Remove Your Fern from the Pot. In this following Gardenerdy article, we will go into a little more detail about the factors involved in its care. It states ASPARAGUS FERN PLANT (ASPARAGUS… Q. Salal - Hello, I am wondering what will happen to my salal if I cut it all down to the ground in… Q. Mulberry Tree Pruning - I have a mulberry tree in my garden and am not sure how to prune it. If temperatures are approaching 50 F, it’s vital to move your asparagus fern indoors. All Rights Reserved. Q. Aspargus Fern (Out Doors) - On this site I have just found the fern I have been looking for. Prune asparagus plumosa fern foliage in spring to remove dead or unsightly foliage. Wait until all the foliage has died back and turned brown or yellow. The first thing you need to do in order to propagate asparagus fern properly is to make asparagus fern seeds a bit softer. This will help to smother the weeds in the bed and will help fertilize the bed for next year. Asparagus ferns (Asparagus densiflorus) won't show up on your dinner plate, but they will add texture and interest to your outdoor garden. It is time to start detangling the roots. Be sure each division has an equal share of roots and foliage. Easy care asparagus fern plants, native to South Africa, are not true ferns at all but rather members of the lily family. An Asparagus Fern turning yellow is most commonly due to overwatering or insufficient lighting. Or, plant it in a basket and suspend from the ceiling. The fern fronds can be chopped up and spread as mulch around the fern. It can be easily propagated by seed or division. Grasp the stem between the thumb and forefinger and pinch off the excess length. (Mulching also helps with weed control.) Should You Trim the Lower Leaves on a Pygmy Palm Tree? When to Cut Asparagus Back. The best time to propagate an Asparagus Fern is in the spring before it starts producing new growth. Cut the foliage just above the crown with a sharp pair of gardening shears. Wait until foliage turns yellow or brown and the plant becomes dormant before pruning. Asparagus sprengeri, a cultivar of asparagus densiflorus is the most popular variety of this plant. 1. Begin by cutting back any large strands of foliage to create a more manageable plant indoors. It is best done in spring before new growth emerges. Pruning Tips. Care of asparagus ferns indoors involves misting the arching stems to provide humidity to the plant. It is very important to follow certain steps, so the plant would grow as it is supposed to. Cut off long stems to help keep the compact shape of the plant. (They are always changing names). It can be easily propagated by seed or division. This can help prevent the crowns from rotting from fungi that develop on the plant over winter. 4. Asparagus Fern. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! It's easiest to cut back the fern in the spring before the new leaves emerge. It's beginning to thin at the top and get rather bushy at the base. For me (zone 6b), I am usually cutting back my asparagus by the end of November. Trim them when they are dormant, which is during winter. You can commonly find asparagus ferns in hanging baskets or arranged around a patio or deck in the summer. Asparagus fern transplant One of the things that must be taken into account is the low viability of the seeds, which is why the storage of these seeds must be reduced. Other causes for it turning brown include sunburn, too much heat, and nutrient deficiency. There are several reasons why an Asparagus Fern may turn brown, but they are a hardy plant and relatively … 2. Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus "Meyersii") is an asparagus fern cultivar and a member of the lily family -- not really a fern at all. Acquiring Your Own Plumosa Fern Examine the plant, noting which stems are either too long, scraggy or plagued with too many yellow leaves. The first step in preparing for overwintering indoors is pruning. In mid Autumn you should cut your asparagus ferns back to about 6 inches high - at least this is what we have read from multiple sources, and it has worked for us. Prune asparagus fern to keep it in shape, and cut any dead stems at the base. Asparagus densiflorus and is generally used for decoration. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Plumosa fern vs Asparagus fern. Trimming the ends of foxtail fern fronds will mar their appearance, so it's best to trim away damaged or unwanted fronds at the base of the stem. Botanical name –Asparagus aethiopicus, formerly Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’. However, the branches of … Wash the blades with very hot water and dishwashing liquid. There are several reasons why an Asparagus Fern may turn brown, but they are a hardy plant and relatively … It is native to South Africa. Wear gloves and a dust mask when pruning ferns. University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions recommends disinfecting the blades after washing them. Cut out the dead stems near their base using clean, sharp shears. Compost or well rotted manure makes an excellent mulch for asparagus in autumn. If the plant loses its attractive shape, stems may be cut back close to the soil level to regenerate. Prune Your Plant. It is grown for its small berries and bushy fronds. Cut foliage back to ground level. When asparagus fern is content in its location, it can produce small flowers and berries. Trimming the plant also allows you to get rid of yellow or brown cladodes. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images, Missouri Botanical Garden: Asparagus Densiflorus, Arizona Cooperative Extension: Asparagus Densiflorus Cultivars. Cut back the old foliage early in the spring to make pruning easier. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Spray the blades of your pruning tools with household antiseptic cleaner. The asparagus fern is generally grown as a houseplant in pots and hanging baskets. Feed the plant after pruning with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around the base. Asparagus sprengeri, a cultivar of asparagus densiflorus is the most popular variety of this plant. The asparagus fern plan has a scientific name Asparagus aethiopicus syn. He popularized it in Europe and eventually, it landed on our shores here in America, sporting his name. Rinse and wipe the blades after disinfecting them. a.k.a., Emerald Fern - Foxtail Fern - Plumosa Fern Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' The Asparagus Fern, really a member of the Lily family, has three popular varieties, all easy for any Indoor Gardener to grow in pots or in hanging baskets.. This prevents the inadvertent spread of plant pests and diseases. If you’ve verified that you have edible asparagus, let the fronds grow until fall, and you can cut them down when they turn brown and dry out. We show you how to determine when it is time to prune your asparagus plants, how to prune them, and how to winterize your beds. Pinch off stem tips of the asparagus fern to encourage bushy, dense growth. Transplant the divisions into moist, acidic soil under light shade. https://gardenerspath.com/plants/vegetables/cutting-asparagus-foliage-autumn Cut the foliage just above the crown with a sharp pair of gardening shears. Cut back the entire plant to within 1 to 2 inches of the ground in spring. Because they’ll simply go dormant for the winter. Combine this reliable specimen with summer blooms and foliage plants for an attractive container. These stems are marked for trimming. Light trimming can take care of damaged or yellowed fronds, but according to Arizona State University, asparagus ferns should also be hard pruned every three years or so to rejuvenate their appearance and encourage fresh, new growth. The level of pruning is up to you. Lush, low-maintenance asparagus ferns (Asparagus plumosus and Asparagus densiflorus) are easy plants to grow under the right circumstances. How to Care for an Asparagus Fern: 12 Steps (with Pictures) Here is how to prune an asparagus fern: Cut back old asparagus plumosa stems at the base using sharp, sterilized pruning shears. It would be best if you pruned off dead stems at their base to remove them. Plumosa fern and asparagus fern are basically the similar type of plants under the same genus of Asparagus. They can also be pruned in very early spring. And if a plant is completely out of control, you may prune it down to a few inches tall and start over. Bear in mind that there are a few factors that can increase the likelihood of underwatering resulting in your Asparagus Fern turning yellow; Excessively high temperatures causing the soil to dry out rapidly. Wear gloves while pruning to avoid needle scratches. Asparagus fern is an invasive plant that will take over your yard if you let it. Repeat as needed to maintain the desired height and shape of the fern. Though asparagus fern responds well to pruning, beware: Its soft-looking leaves conceal sharp thorns, so it’s best to wear gloves. Other causes for it turning brown include sunburn, too much heat, and nutrient deficiency. Don’t be afraid to take off several inches of growth or more if needed. Because they’ll simply go dormant for the winter. All asparagus fern types need hard pruning every three years to rejuvenate their growth. Growing and harvesting asparagus is a gardening challenge that requires patience and a little extra care to get started. Pruning of ferns needs to occur after the spores on fruiting fronds have matured and released. Before I detail each requirement for growing the asparagus fern, I’ll mention that this is not a cold tolerant plant. Pinch back the growing tips of each stem by 1 to 2 inches when the plant is actively growing. Prune back the entire fern every three years or when it becomes leggy and overgrown. The first way of propagating asparagus fern is by using the seeds to do it. They grow well indoors and outdoors within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, where their ferny foliage adds color and texture to landscaping and potted gardens year-round. Asparagus Fern Plant Care Tips. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Begin by cutting back any large strands of foliage to create a more manageable plant indoors. Trim out dead or damaged stems at any time to improve the appearance of the asparagus fern. How to Trim an Asparagus Fern. Spring is the best time to divide asparagus ferns, particularly after hard pruning because having shorter foliage will limit moisture loss while the divisions put down new roots. The climbing asparagus fern, or Asparagus plumosus, has lacy, featherlike foliage that is more forgiving of light trimming than the foliage of the foxtail fern, or Asparagus densiflorus, which is very brushy and is shaped like a fox's tail. Asparagus fern is a decorative plant with dense fern-like foliage that can be planted in gardens outdoors in warm climates, or used indoors as an ornamental plant. Inexpensive pruning tools can be replaced entirely each season if necessary. You don’t have to provide your ferns with a light source (even a dark spot is okay), and you don’t have to give them any special care. Sharpen your pruning tools every season and keep them clean between uses to prevent the spread of pathogens. You should be able to see the tightly rolled fiddleheads, also known as crosiers, in a crown on the plant. Asparagus Ferns love humidity and need to be misted with water daily. The first thing you need to do in order to propagate asparagus fern properly is to make asparagus fern seeds a bit softer. Plant size Water the plant thoroughly the night before dividing it so the roots are well-hydrated. Most asparagus ferns will eventually need to be cut apart, and the segments will need to be replanted, which is a propagation method called division. Keep the soil moist but allow the surface to dry between waterings and watch for new growth in a month or two. Trim them when they are dormant, which is during winter. To do that, put them in the water and leave them there for around 24 hours. Step One is to get your pruning shears and cut the base of the asparagus. Asparagus ferns seldom suffer from serious problems, although they can be damaged if pruned with dirty, dull pruning shears. a.k.a., Emerald Fern - Foxtail Fern - Plumosa Fern Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' The Asparagus Fern, really a member of the Lily family, has three popular varieties, all easy for any Indoor Gardener to grow in pots or in hanging baskets.. However, in spring, you could trim off dead, yellow, or brown foliage to improve the plant’s appearance. They can also be pruned in very early spring. When you grow asparagus ferns outside in summer, asparagus fern care involves watering, fertilizing to encourage growth and occasionally pruning out dead stems. Trim out dead or damaged stems at any time to improve the appearance of the asparagus fern. Many gardeners, including those at Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply (here’s their video), recommend cutting asparagus back in the late fall and mulching with straw to protect the plants from frost. You can then prune off the affected foliage to restore the cosmetic appeal of your Asparagus Fern. Many ferns do not object to pruning at any time of the year. In the spring the plant will grow small white flowers, followed by small red berries. Sasha Degnan is a freelance writer and educator specializing in gardening and horticulture. She has nearly 25 years of experience in the propagation and care of plants., North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service: Asparagus plumosus, Arizona State University: Asparagus densiflorus, University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions: Disinfecting Your Garden Tools, University of Georgia Extension: Growing Ferns. When you grow asparagus ferns outside in summer, asparagus fern care involves watering, fertilizing to encourage growth and occasionally pruning out dead stems. You should be able to see the tightly rolled fiddleheads, also known as crosiers, in a crown on the plant. Prune out the dead fronds in any fern at any time. In order to do it, you need to … It is best done in spring before new growth emerges. When asparagus fern is content in its location, it can produce small flowers and berries. Prune yellow or brown asparagus fern stems at the soil level. Anyone who has grown a fern knows they can certainly grow quite large through the warm summer months. The most common - Asparagus Sprengeri - is covered on this page. Once you have cut the asparagus back, add several inches (10 cm.) For more compact growth, you may pinch back the growing tips. A 10-percent bleach solution made of one part bleach and nine parts water works well, as does full-strength household disinfectant. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Asparagus ferns owe much of their ornamental appeal to the shape of their fronds, which vary among species. Asparagus ferns don’t require regular pruning to grow well. This will keep the plant looking its best and does not harm it. Mature plants become woody and can develop sharp spines on the branches, so take caution while trimming older specimens, and wear gardening gloves if you plan to prune an older plant. This plant is noted for its fern-like foliage of needle-like clusters (20-30 cladophylls per cluster) which are spaced alo Bleach can corrode metal and must be thoroughly rinsed to keep your pruning blades free from damage. These stems are marked for trimming. Asparagus retrofractus, commonly called ming asparagus fern, pom pom asparagus fern and zig zag shrub, is a shrubby herbaceous evergreen perennial that typically grows to 6-8’ tall.It is native to arid regions of South Africa. Although asparagus ferns are fast-growing plants, annual pruning can encourage healthy growth. Many ferns do not object to pruning at any time of the year. You can plant these berries to propagate the fern. The care for this plant involves providing optimum growth conditions, which include adequate sunlight, water and using well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. This is a great plant for a hanging basket or in a raised planter. Other causes include fertilizer problems, pests, excessive light, underwatering, and acclimation. The best time to propagate an Asparagus Fern is in the spring before it starts producing new growth. Asparagus fern's “leaves” are actually tiny branchlets called cladophylls that are flat and look like leaves. Make sure to use clean and sharp shears. Noteworthy Characteristics. Botanical name –Asparagus aethiopicus, formerly Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’. Cut the plants back to the soil surface and apply mulch to help against deep freeze or changes in soil temperatures. It should be done every few years when the plant has become root-bound or is showing signs of decline, such as sparse foliage growth or a general lack of vigor. To encourage bushy growth, snip off new stem tips. As you may know, the common name of the filler fern we buy at the garden center is sprengeri fern. Growth of asparagus foliage is an important part of the plant’s life cycle. Asparagus Fern. Cut back the old foliage early in the spring to make pruning easier. Asparagus fern plants are great houseplants you can use to decorate your home. It was named for the German botanist, Carl Ludwig Sprenger (1846-1917). The next step is to prune your Asparagus fern. With your gloves, pull back to reveal dead wood, browning stems and leaves that are dry and falling off. The University of Georgia Extension explains that ferns can take some rough handling during the division process. It is important to be prepared once you want to pull the seeds out of the water, so they wouldn’t dry out. Asparagus Ferns love humidity and need to be misted with water daily. This normally happens after the first frost. Simply dig up the root ball or remove it from the pot and cut it straight down into halves or quarters using a very sharp gardening knife. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Even the healthiest and best cared-for asparagus fern can lose its luxuriant appearance over time. Asparagus foliage that forms after harvest is strengthening the crown and root system for next year’s crop, so you’ll want to prune in late fall or early winter. As the plumosa fern leaves resembles to feather that’s why it is named like this. (They are always changing names). One of the things that is important to asparagus care is preparing the asparagus beds for autumn and cutting the asparagus back.. The first step in preparing for overwintering indoors is pruning. Unless you plan to save the seeds, it’s best to remove them to conserve energy. If the plant loses its attractive shape, stems may be cut back close to the soil level to regenerate. How to Trim a Foxtail Fern. The hardy ferns such as sword fern can be pruned once a year if necessary, just about any time, since they are continuously growing. Those weeds love to hide in asparagus ferns during the summer and then you find them at the end of season in all their glory!