Matteuccia (Ostrich Fern)
Ostrich fern is the only species of Matteuccia. This is an easy to grow selection that can form dense colonies and will grow easily along riverbanks. This is the food source for many types of butterflies.
| Growing Temperature: | 60-70° F Days, 55-60° F Nights |
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| Soil pH: | 5.5-6.5 |
| Fertility: | Ferns are light feeders and can be sensitive to fertilization, do not over feed. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Botrytis blight, leaf spots, sooty mold(indoors or South), rusts, damping-off(of prothalli), foliar Rhizoctonia, Pythium. Applications of a preventative fungicide after planting can be beneficial in reducing risks. |
| Potting and Timing: | Make sure plugs are adequately moist prior to planting. |
| Moisture: | It is important to keep ferns evenly moist and never allow them to completely dry out. Like Astilbe, allowing them to wilt could be deadly. Water early in the day to prevent botrytis and foliar diseases and allow for dry time before the evenings. |
| Planting Level: | Plug at soil level, be sure to not plant too deeply to avoid burying any side shoots. |
| PGRs/Pinching: | |
| Lighting: | Provide 50% shade (below 2500 foot candles) for optimum growth, especially in late spring. Too much light produces light green to yellow foliage. Lower light levels produces more lush and dark green foliage.
Heavier shade may be needed in Southern Climates, up to 70%. |
72 Cell - Planting Instructions
| Container: | 1 gallon |
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| When to Plant: | Spring to early summer |
| Finish: | 10-12 weeks |
3" Plug - Planting Instructions
| Container: | 1 or 2 gallon. |
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| When to Plant: | Spring or early summer. |
| Finish: | 6-8 week 1 gallon.
8-10 week 2 gallon. |
