Ferns are incredibly common plants that have been around for a very long time. In fact, these plants were common even back when dinosaurs used to roam the earth.
They’re popular today because of how lush and green they are. Plants such as ferns can be grown just about anywhere, and there are currently over 15,000 known species of ferns on the planet.
If you’re thinking about putting some ferns in your yard, then you might be wondering about them. Do ferns grow very fast or are they slow-growing plants?
Read on to get all of the most pertinent information about ferns. You’ll learn about how fast they grow as well as whether you can impact the growth rate yourself.
Fern Growth Rates Vary Somewhat
It’s important to remember that ferns are very common plants, and you also need to remember that ferns come in many varieties. With over 15,000 different fern species on the planet, there will be a lot of variances when it comes to growth rates.
With this in mind, you should know that most ferns are considered to be slow-growing. This means that it takes quite some time for them to reach full maturity.
Some types of ferns can take several years to reach their full size, but some might be able to reach full size quicker than that. Specific growth information will depend on the species of fern that you’re growing.
How big the ferns will get can vary a lot depending on the species of fern that you’re talking about as well. Some types of ferns can get very large, but others will be more modest in size.
Now that you know this, it’ll be easier to move forward knowing that ferns are generally slow-growing plants. They’re going to take time to reach their full height and size, but you can try to do some things to encourage them to grow as fast as possible.
Ensure That the Ferns Have Good Soil
The first thing to do is ensure that the ferns have good soil that will allow them to thrive. Generally, ferns are going to do well in soil that is either neutral or just a bit acidic.
You’re also going to want to use soil that can get moist while still draining well. It helps the ferns to retain moisture without making it so that the ferns can’t dry out at all.
Give Them the Right Amount of Water
Watering ferns properly will be essential to help them grow well. Ferns need to be watered regularly when it’s not raining, and you actually want to avoid allowing the soil to become totally dry.
Using mulch can help your ferns to retain moisture better than normal. Try a mulch layer that is two inches thick to get good results.
Consider the Climate
The climate and humidity can play a role in how well the ferns will grow, too. Most ferns like humid weather and they’re going to do better if things are humid enough for them.
Of course, there are varieties of ferns that don’t like things quite as humid, but the most common types of ferns that people plant love humidity. Do what you can to provide your ferns with a sufficiently humid environment.
Temperature tolerance is pretty good when looking at pretty much all fern varieties. You shouldn’t have to worry too much about whether it’s too hot or a bit too chilly unless you’re dealing with extreme temperatures.
Try Using Fertilizer
Fertilizer might be able to help you to get better results when growing ferns. Ferns typically don’t grow all that fast, but using a bit of fertilizer might help them to grow a bit faster than normal.
You need to be careful not to overfeed ferns, though, because they can be quite sensitive to fertilizer. If you go overboard when fertilizing, then you could easily wind up harming the plant.
This means that fertilizer needs to be used sparingly or you’ll wind up seeing negative results. Technically, fertilizer isn’t necessary for ferns, but it could help if you use it the right way.
It’s recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer that is mixed into the soil during the early spring. Don’t do more than this because you don’t want to risk having things backfire on you.
You’re Not Going to Make Ferns Grow Fast
All you can really do is make sure that you’re caring for the ferns to the best of your ability. If you want them to grow a bit faster, then you might have good luck using fertilizer sparingly during the early spring.
Otherwise, there really isn’t much that you can do to make ferns grow fast. These are plants that will generally grow a bit slow, and some types of ferns will be slower to grow than others.
If you’re curious about specific growth information for the ferns that you’re growing, then you’ll need to determine what species they are. You’ll then be able to get information about that species to know expected growth times and what the maximum growth of the plant will be.
Some people do get a bit impatient when growing certain types of ferns, but you just have to keep caring for them. Ensuring that the ferns have good soil and watering them properly will make a difference.
Ferns can be a wonderful addition to your garden area if you want to plant some of them. They are nice plants that add a touch of green to wherever you decide to plant them.
Now that you know more about ferns and how fast they grow, it’ll be easier for you to decide if you wish to grow them yourself. If you prefer plants that grow really fast, then you’re going to want to look elsewhere, but ferns are undeniably popular with the masses.
They’re versatile plants that can be used in many different ways in your garden. The fact that they’re quite temperature-tolerant and easy to grow makes them great for beginners and expert gardeners alike.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.