Ostrich Fern Are Great Backgound Plants and the Fiddleheads Are Edible
These fern love shade and well-drained, moist to wet soil. They are very good at dividing and need thinning every few years or they will become too thick and dense.
Ostrich fern make and excellent background plant. They also create a beautiful border or backdrop. I use them as a border around our patio.
The only problem I have encountered with these ferns is that if they become broken by someone or something causing them to bend and break they do not recover. You need to trim off the broken plant.
The fern begin to grow in the early spring and rapidly reach their full height. They remain green and lush throughout the growing season. The fern do not require much care.
Ostrich fern are a beautiful backdrop to any flowering plant. I have combined them with lilies and the contrast is beautiful. The feather like fronds of the fern is lovely combined with the foliage and color of the lily.
Although every garden guide I read states that the ostrich fern requires shade mine have grown in direct sun for years. They are thriving. I have seen them planted in shady spots in other gardens and they are just the same as mine. So I do not think that they necessarily need to be restricted to shade.
Although I do not eat ostrich fiddleheads on a regular basis I have eaten them. I ordered an ostrich fern fiddlehead omelet at a restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very tasty. The fiddleheads are laden with vitamins. You can find quite a few recipes for cooking the fiddleheads and since you grow them in your garden you will know their source. You must collect the fiddleheads in early spring. Only remove a few of the sprouting fiddleheads from each plant and allow the rest to develop or the rhizome will not have sufficient plant material to develop energy for the next years growth.
Published by Mary Martin
Non-profit management, volunteer leadership and education have been primary in Mary's professional life. She taught art classes to both children and adults at DOD MWR, DOD Schools, Merced Junior College, Thr... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentI've never thought of growing them in a garden, but I think it's a lovely idea! Around here, fiddleheads are harvested in the wild & sold in grocery stores in spring.
I guess I am a carnivore, because at first I read "ostrich farm."
My mom loved fiddle heads, I haven't had them in ages, sounds wonderful! Thanks!!!
We are really into edible plants this year so I was excited to see this article.