How to plant tree ferns

Tree ferns don’t need a rich or deep soil. They will survive happily even in very poor or stony soil. Ideally a slightly acid soil (adding ericaceous compost will help) is preferable and a light dressing with blood and bone meal will give plants plenty of food to start them off. If you’ve purchased a smaller plant just dig a hole big enough for root ball.

Tree fern trunks will need a hole slightly bigger than trunk and 4 to 6 inches deep depending on length of trunk. Plant them and firm them in but make sure they are upright then weight of trunk will keep it stable. After a few weeks it will make its own roots to secure itself.

Feeding plant

The tree fern will need feeding from time to time. If you have planted it in shade under a canopy of larger tree your tree fern will extract some nutrients from decaying leaf-fall. They will still need some extra feed and one of best around is one called Maxi Crop. Maxi Crop is made from seaweed; it is easily available and contains a good range of nutrients and minerals. Follow manufactures instructions for dilution and feed well at least every two months.

Surviving winter

Generally Cyathea and Dicksonia are hardiest of most commonly available tree ferns. They are naturally evergreen and should survive quite happily through a normal winter. Before worst of winter starts you will need to place a wedge of straw down centre of plant (where fronds grow from) to keep worst of frost out.

6. Four weeks after planting, you should start soaking bed every 2 weeks or so. You should do this in morning for best results.

7. Begin fertilization approximately 3 months after planting. Use 3-6 inches of mulch to control moisture, temperature, and to stops weeds from coming up. Mulch also helps to lock in vital nutrients your roses need in order to remain healthy.

8. Planting in Spring is best.

9. You want to plant your roses in an area that is well circulated with air. Your roses will not grow in an enclosed or tight area.

10. Dig a hole that is two times bigger than amount of space that your roses take up. It makes it easier to plant them and creates a spaced area for them to grow with freedom. Poor circulation for your roses can cause fungal diseases. Using a larger hole also makes it easier for you to pull them up later and pot them if you’d like.

© 2004, Kathy Burns-Millyard and Garden-Source.com