How To Transplant Wild Ferns

If you’ve ever admired the lush, green fronds of ferns in the woods and wished you could have some in your own garden, you’re in the right place. Learning how to transplant wild ferns is a rewarding way to bring natural beauty home, and with the right approach, you can do it successfully. This simple guide will walk you through the entire process, from ethical collection to planting and care.

Transplanting ferns from their natural habitat requires careful planning. It’s not just about digging up a plant. You need to consider timing, permission, and the plant’s health. Doing it correctly gives the fern its best chance to thrive in its new location.

Before You Start: The Golden Rules

First, always get permission. Never remove plants from national parks, state land, or private property without explicit consent. Many native ferns are protected, so check local regulations.

Second, practice sustainability. Only take a few ferns from a large, healthy colony. Never deplete an entire patch. The goal is to have no visible impact on the wild population.

Third, be prepared. Gather all your tools and supplies before you head out. This minimizes the fern’s stress during the move.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Ferns?

Timing is crucial for reducing shock. The ideal periods are early spring or early fall.

Early Spring: The fern is just emerging (as fiddleheads) and its energy is focused on new growth. Cool, moist weather helps it settle.
Early Fall: The plant has stored energy in its roots. Soil is still warm, but air is cooler, which encourages root development before winter.

Avoid transplanting in the heat of summer or the frozen ground of winter. The stress is often to much for the plant to handle.

What You’ll Need: Tools & Supplies

A sharp shovel or spade
A sturdy trowel
Pruning shears (clean and sharp)
Large plastic bags or damp burlap sacks
A bucket or container for transport
Water (a spray bottle is handy)
Gardening gloves

Step-by-Step Transplanting Process

Step 1: Selecting the Right Fern

Look for a vigorous, healthy plant. Choose one with firm, green fronds and no signs of disease or insect damage. It’s better to pick a medium-sized fern rather than a very old, large one, which will have a more extensive root system that’s harder to move.

Step 2: Preparing the New Planting Site

Prepare the new hole before you dig up the fern. This minimizes the time its roots are exposed. Ferns generally prefer:

Shade to Partial Shade: Mimic their woodland environment.
Well-Draining, Rich Soil: Amend garden soil with plenty of compost or leaf mold.
Consistent Moisture: The area shouldn’t dry out completely.

Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the fern’s expected root ball and just as deep.

Step 3: Digging Up the Fern

Water the fern thoroughly the day before if possible.
Using your shovel, start digging a wide circle around the plant. Stay at least 6-8 inches away from the base to avoid damaging the roots.
Dig down deep, aiming to get as much of the root ball as you can. Fern roots can be shallow but wide-spreading.
Once you’ve loosened the soil, gently work the shovel underneath the root ball and lift it out.

Step 4: Handling and Transport

Place the root ball immediately into a plastic bag or wrap it in damp burlap. Keep it shaded and moist. If the journey home is long, mist the roots and fronds. Try not to let the roots dry out in the sun or wind—this is a common mistake that can set the plant back.

Step 5: Planting in the New Location

Place the fern’s root ball in the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface.
Backfill the hole with your amended soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate large air pockets.
Water deeply and slowly until the soil is saturated. This helps settle the soil.

Step 6: Immediate Aftercare

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like shredded leaves or bark) around the base of the fern. This keeps the roots cool and retains moisture. Continue to water regularly, keeping the soil consistently damp but not soggy, for the first full growing season.

Long-Term Care for Transplanted Ferns

Your job isn’t done after planting. Ongoing care ensures your ferns flourish.

Watering: Ferns love moisture. Water during dry spells, even after they’re established.
Mulching: Refresh the mulch layer each spring or fall. This mimics the natural leaf litter of a forest floor.
Feeding: Ferns are not heavy feeders. A top dressing of compost in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid strong chemical fertilizers.
Pruning: In late winter or early spring, cut back any dead or tattered fronds to make room for new growth.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your transplanted fern looks unhappy, don’t panic. Here’s what to look for:

Wilting or Browning Fronds: This is often a sign of underwatering, too much sun, or transplant shock. Ensure adequate shade and moisture. You can trim badly damaged fronds; the plant may send up new ones.
No New Growth: Be patient. Ferns often focus energy on root establishment in their first year. If there’s no growth by the second spring, the site conditions may be wrong.
Yellowing Fronds: Could indicate overwatering/poor drainage or, occasionally, a need for a slight nutrient boost from compost.

FAQ: Your Fern Transplant Questions Answered

Can you transplant ferns in the summer?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat and dryness cause extreme stress. If you must, choose a cool, cloudy period and be prepared to water meticulously and provide extra shade.

How deep are fern roots?

Most fern roots are relatively shallow, spreading out horizontally near the soil surface. This is why digging a wide circle is more important than digging extremly deep.

Should you cut back ferns when transplanting?

It can help. Reducing the frond mass by about one-third minimizes water loss through the leaves while the roots recover. Just use clean shears.

How long does it take for a transplanted fern to establish?

You might see some settling in the first season, but it typically takes one to two full growing cycles for a fern to become fully established and begin spreading.

Can I transplant a large, mature fern?

It’s challenging. Large ferns have massive root systems. Dividing them into smaller sections during transplant is a more managable and often more successful approach.

Transplanting wild ferns is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enhance your garden. By following these steps—prioritizing ethics, perfect timing, careful handling, and consistent aftercare—you can enjoy these ancient, graceful plants for years to come. Remember, the key is to replicate the cool, moist, sheltered conditions they love. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, naturalistic display that reminds you of the forest floor.