Lace Fern – 5 Seeds

Asparagus setaceus, commonly known as common asparagus fern, asparagus grass, lace fern, climbing asparagus, or ferny asparagus, is a climbing plant in the genus Asparagus. Despite its common name, the plant is not a true fern, but has leaves that resemble one. The attractive foliage is also used in floral arrangements. The feathery, fern-like flattened sprays of bright green stems, small white summer flowers and deep purple berries make this plant look very attractive.

It originates from southern Africa and is cultivated as an ornamental plant, indoor plant, or in containers and gardens. Lace Fern is a creeping perennial with tough green stems and leaves that can grow several meters long. These stems grow in a twining fashion and produce numerous short, horizontal-spreading (i.e. lateral), branches. Sharp barbed thorns occur on the stem. Occurring from spring to autumn, the small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers are 0.4 cm long, and are followed by small green berries, which blacken with maturity.The attractive foliage is also used in floral arrangements. It is very hardy and adapts readily to cultivation.

Growing Lace Fern

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Early Spring.

• Soak seeds in water overnight.
• Fill a pot with moist mineral-based soil or perlite and press the seed on top of the soil. The seeds need light to germinate.
• Put the pot in a ziplock bag and place the pot on a windowsill or in a small greenhouse in partial shade.
• Germination should in a few weeks.
• When true leaves have developed, you can transplant the seedlings into larger pots to continue growing.