To raise large numbers of new ferns rapidly, sow the spores found on the underside of each fertile frond. Choose only perfect
plants as deformities can be passed on.
Between early summer and early fall cut a frond off a fern, and lay it on half a piece of clean white tissue paper. Fold the other half of the paper over the frond, and put it in a dry place.
A day or two later the spores (that look like fine dust) will have fallen from their capsules. Tap the paper to shift the spores into the crease. Then fold the tissue, and carefully place it in an evelope. The spores can be sown immediately or the next
spring. Some species will remain viable for several years.
Use a clean (or sterilized)
seed flat and put a 1/2 - 2/3 inch deep layer of gravel in the bottom. Sift some potting soil or commercial African Violet soil through a 1/4 inch mesh sieve. Put the larger soil pieces in first about 1 inch deep. Then add the fine soil, about 1/2 inch deep and firm down with the base of a pot.
Put a piece of paper on the soil, and pour boiling water over it into the pan. (Make sure it has drainage holes). Continue to do this until the pan is too hot to handle.
When the soil is cold, lift a few spores from the envelope. Remove the paper and tap the spores onto the soil surface. Cover the tray with glass and set it on a shady windowsill. Do not remove the glass.
About one or two months later a green film will indicate development of prothallia, the structures that are the intermediate sexual stage in the life cycle of ferns. Three months after sowing, the prothallia should have become small, flat, heart-shaped growths.
Five to six months after sowing, tiny new ferns should be
growing from the prothallia. When these are 1 - 1 1/2 inches high, they will need pricking out into a larger
seed tray.
After the young ferns have produced new fronds (in about 6 weeks) they can be transplanted to their final home.
Good luck
Barb
barbsblooms@shaw.ca
