The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Ostrich ferns areperennialferns that produce edible fiddleheads, a springtime delicacy.
As they grow, these young sprouts unfurl into bright bunches of 4-foot green fronds looking like ostrich feathers.
Light
This fern grows inpartial to full shade, but dappled shade is generally best.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Leaves can turn yellow and burn if exposed to full sun.
It will tolerate full sun only if planted in an especially cool, moist location.
The soilpHshould be between 5.0 and 6.5.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Native to marshes and creekbeds, it tolerates some erosion and a lot of moisture.
Water
Water throughout the summer to maintain medium to wet conditions.
Do not let the soil dry out.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The plant might go dormant too early in the growing season without enough moisture.
The plants are hardy to minus four degrees Fahrenheit.
The ostrich fern grows best in cool summer climates rather than climates with hot and humid summers.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Ensure airflow between plants to prevent fungal issues.
Do not overfertilize because these ferns are sensitive to too much fertilizer.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by the shape and look of the fronds.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Simply turn over a frond to examine it.
Pruning
Heavy pruning isn’t needed, but light trimming keeps ostrich ferns looking fresh.
Clean up any old or awkwardly shaped fronds.
In late winter, cut down dead foliage and fertile fronds.
Propagating Ostrich Ferns
Ostrich ferns are aggressive spreaders.
They’re bountiful and can take over your garden because they spread throughunderground rhizomes.
Unlike other ferns that release spores to make new plants, ostrich fern fronds are sterile.
When planted in a container, these ferns make a showy statement on outdoor patios and entryways.
check that the container is large enough to allow the fern to spread and grow as it matures.
Fill the container with rich, acidic soil and water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist.
The pot needs ample drainage holes to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged.
Repot the plant when the fern fills the container and becomesrootbound.
Divide it, keep one in that pot, and transplant the division into a new pot.
Overwintering
Ostrich ferns are hardy, can handle cold temperatures, and will go dormant in winter.
However, if the plant gets waterlogged, it can develop root rot.
Also, without sufficient airflow around the plant, ostrich ferns become susceptible to fungal infections.
These plants are typically rabbitand deer-resistant.
It is relatively problem-free, and deer and rabbits usually leave it alone.
If the leaves begin to get crispy or curled, they may also need water.
Transplant or move the plant to a shadier location, ensuring the soil remains moist.
Soggy soil is a hospitable place for fungal overgrowth.
Prevent this condition by watering on a regular schedule, but only if the soil is drying out.
They can spread up to one foot in a year.
When very thick and succulent, fiddleheads or young ostrich fern fronds can be eaten before they fully unfurl.
Ostrich ferns are perennial plants that die back aboveground as winter approaches.
They return in the spring, growing from the underground rhizomatous root structure.
All of these go dormant before the fern reaches its mature size.
These ferns also look good and last well in cut-flower bouquets as accent greenery.
