Asparagus Fern is an easy way to add something unique that is evergreen to your landscape. This plant also works great in containers and hanging baskets.

Start indoors in trays 10 - 12 weeks before last frost.

Asparagus fern is grown as an annual or houseplant in most areas of the U.S., but it is a perennial in USDA Zones 8-10. Outdoors, these plants will prefer a partial shade location in organically rich, moist, well-draining soil.

• Scarify and soak seeds overnight.
• Sow 3 - 4 seeds per plant in trays or pots and keep in a bright location for germination.
• Surface sow seeds and press into soil.
• Germination should occur in approximately 21 - 35 days.
• Keep seeds moist but not wet until germination.
• As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings to the true leaf stage beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. (Transplant to larger pots once they are large enough to handle if needed) Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
• Before transplanting, seedlings need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.
• Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.
• When transplanting select a location in full sun to partial shade.
• Prepare the planting area by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.
• Plant seedlings 36 inches apart depending on variety.

• Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
• The asparagus fern thrives in dappled shade, although it can be acclimated to more light. Keep it out of direct, bright sunlight, which can scorch the foliage.
• Mist the plant daily, focusing on the arching stems. If the plant appears to be turning brown and droopy, it likely needs more water.
• Try to maintain a warm temperature around 70 degrees
• Feed Asparagus Fern with liquid or water-soluble all-purpose plant food diluted to half strength. During summer, container plants may need weekly feedings; otherwise, feed monthly.