Simply one of the most adored and easily grown garden plants, ferns have been winning the hearts of gardeners for centuries. The delicate foliage and unique shapes of ferns provide interest and contrast in the garden, and they are relatively easy to care for.
One of the first questions many new fern growers have is:
When do ferns come up in spring?
Ferns are classified as herbaceous perennials, which means that they die back to the ground each winter and regrow in the spring.
Whether you have deciduous or evergreen ferns, they should all experience new growth in the months of spring. If you have different varieties of ferns, however, they may come up during different times within the spring season.
For gardeners who like encouraging new growth in their plants, you can cut away the older fronds of your deciduous ferns in the later autumn. For evergreen ferns, aim to prune the old fronds at the end of winter.
Once spring sets in, you should see new crosiers or fiddleheads emerging from the center of your plant. Don’t fret if you don’t see any new growth right away – some types of ferns come up a little later in spring than others.
There are others that may even stay longer and exhibit the new growth in the early summer.
What factors can affect when ferns come up in spring?
While you can generally expect ferns to come up in spring, there are certain conditions that determine when your fern will come up. The most common are:
1. Fern variety
There are over 10,000 fern varieties spread across the globe, and each one has its own growing schedule. If you’re not sure when your particular fern variety should come up in spring, check the plant tag or do a quick Google search.
2. Location
Ferns grow in all sorts of climates, from temperate to tropical. To give you a better idea, they will thrive best through USDA zone 2 to 10. If you live in an area with a shorter spring season, your ferns may come up a little later. Conversely, if you live in a warmer area, they may come up a little earlier.
3. Winter care
How you care for your ferns during the winter can also affect when they come up in spring. If you live in an area where ferns are winter-hardy, you can leave them in the ground. However, if your ferns are not winter-hardy, you’ll need to bring them inside or store them in a cool, dark place. Failing to winter your plant indoors can result in the plant dying back and not coming up in spring.
4. Spring weather conditions
Finally, the actual weather conditions in spring can also play a role in when your fern comes up. If you have a late frost or cold snap, it can delay the growth of your plant. Conversely, if you have an early spring with warm temperatures, it can encourage your fern to come up a little earlier than usual.
When do ferns come up in spring: Final thoughts
Ferns are, one of the most beautiful and easily grown garden plants. They are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.
If you’ve been looking to add some ferns to your garden but aren’t sure when they come up, you now have a better idea. Just be sure to take into account the variety of ferns, your location, winter care, and spring weather conditions.
With a little patience, you should see new fronds emerging in no time!