Asparagus Plumosa

Asparagus plumosa

Basic Care Summary Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep soil moist, watering freely in dry weather. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.

How big do Plumosa ferns get?

Plumosa fern traits They create soft, feathery foliage that is plume-like. The stems scramble, climb, and cascade unless they are pruned. They can grow 10 to 20 feet long!

Is Plumosa fern the same as asparagus fern?

The Plumosa Fern, also known as Asparagus Fern, is not an actual fern. In-fact, this beautiful plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family, and the only thing it has in common with ferns it's the fronds look. Native to Southern Africa, the Asparagus Setaceus, is a perennial climbing herb.

Is Asparagus plumosus poisonous?

Symptoms: This plant is not considered toxic. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The prickles may also cause mechanical injury.

Should I cut my asparagus plants back?

Pruning is an important part of proper edible plant care, and in the case of asparagus, it's particularly easy to do. Asparagus foliage that forms after harvest is strengthening the crown and root system for next year's crop, so you'll want to prune in late fall or early winter.

Does asparagus spread once planted?

Because asparagus is a perennial, you'll need to designate a place in the vegetable garden or, even better, build a separate bed. Asparagus needs space, so plant the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart. They won't spread out much in the first couple of years, but once established, they will quickly fill in.

Can asparagus ferns take full sun?

Plant asparagus fern in full sun or light shade; plants grown in full sun are more compact and dense than those grown in shade. It does best in moist soils rich in organic matter but tolerates almost any conditions and is fairly drought tolerant once established.

Do asparagus ferns spread?

Asparagus fern spreads by bird-dispersed seeds and vegetatively by tubers, which sprout far from the main plant. Asparagus fern can be found spreading along roadsides and invading secondary forest systems. Colonies are readily formed which displace native vegetation and prevent native species from reestablishing.

Are asparagus ferns invasive?

Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a highly invasive, shade-tolerant perennial plant. Once established, they are challenging to control due to an extensive root structure and the ability to regrow from small parts of roots.

Why is asparagus fern toxic?

Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur.

Are asparagus ferns hard to keep alive?

Asparagus ferns are easy to grow, provided they are kept out of direct sunshine, have some humidity and are kept well watered in warm weather.

How do you overwinter an asparagus fern?

How do I overwinter my outdoor asparagus ferns? If the temperature in your area is colder than 55°F in the winter, bring in the asparagus ferns in pots. Place them in bright light indoors and keep them away from drafts or heat. Water only to keep the soil moist—standing in water causes root rot.

Should you cut down asparagus ferns?

Don't be too hasty cutting down the ferns If possible, it is best to remove the dormant, brown ferns in the late fall or early winter (mid-November to December). This helps control asparagus beetles that would otherwise overwinter in the ferns and damage the next year's spears.

Does asparagus fern clean the air?

Asparagus Fern Its characteristic feathery leaves are pros at purifying the air of benzene, toluene, octane, and other harmful toxins. Keep them away from direct sunlight though, as they'll scorch quickly.

Is asparagus plant toxic to dogs?

But if your dog is fully housebroken, this should not be a problem. The last word of caution about asparagus is that asparagus fern, the inedible part of the asparagus plant, is toxic for dogs. If you are growing asparagus in your garden, you should put up a fence to make sure your dog cannot eat this.

Is Miracle Grow good for asparagus?

Asparagus is a heavy feeder. Encourage thick spears by feeding in the spring (a month after planting) with a Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, following label directions.

What's the best fertilizer for asparagus?

Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate. Asparagus can also be fertilized after the last harvest in June. Using a nitrogen fertilizer, apply .

How do you pick asparagus so it keeps growing?

Spears are harvested when they are between six and 10 inches long. Harvesting can be accomplished by breaking the spears off or using a pronged knife. If not using a tool, break the spears off by hand near the soil level.

How many years do asparagus plants live?

While asparagus may be a slow starter, it certainly has stamina. Once a plant matures, it can provide harvests for 20 or more years. And, in other ways, the plant is quite capable of speed. The young shoots that emerge in early spring can grow seven inches in a day.

What month do you plant asparagus?

Plant transplants outside from November – January. Prepare the asparagus bed by adding compost and composted manure to create rich soil. If planting from seed, start seeds in small containers with potting soil or directly in the beds.

11 Asparagus plumosa Images