How to Germinate Foxtail Fern Seed

Sometimes called an asparagus fern, the foxtail fern (Protasparagus densiflorus) is neither a fern nor asparagus. It is called a fern because its foliage is airy and lacy looking, much like the foliage of genuine ferns. Actually a member of the lily family, foxtail fern is a tender, evergreen perennial. It grows stiff, 2-foot-long, upright stems that resemble foxtails, the origin of one of its common names. Bright red berries grow all along the stems in late autumn and early winter. Break open these red berries and remove the seeds, which easily germinate while they are still fresh.

Deep seed starting liner pots
Indoor potting soil special formulated for succulents
Black plastic
Seed starting heat mat
Watering can with rose tip

Instructions

- 1
  Soak foxtail fern seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting. This will increase their germination rate.
- 2
  Fill deep seed starting liner pots to the rim with indoor potting soil specially formulated for succulents.
- 3
  Sow seeds by placing them on the surface of the soil. Orient the seeds so they are laying horizontally. Ensure the pointed end of the seed is pointing neither straight up nor straight down.
- 4
  Cover seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of the potting soil.
- 5
  Water the pots thoroughly immediately after sowing the seeds. Thereafter, check the pots daily and water as needed to keep the soil moist but not soaked.
- 6
  Cover the tops of the pots with black plastic. The plastic helps retain warmth and moisture, which will help the seeds germinate.
- 7
  Place the pots containing the seeds on a seed starting heat mat. Set the temperature of the mat at just under 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or 32 degrees Celsius. Maintain this temperature constantly, night and day, until the seeds germinate in approximately 10 to 20 days.

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