If you just walk past the ferns, you won't be able to see them, the spores. They are hidden. You can find out below why they are of enormous importance.

Fern spores are highly toxic just by inhaling them

Where are the spores and what do they look like?

Most fern species show their spores on the underside of their fronds. Fern species such as the royal fern and the funnel fern form separate fronds that are very different from the other fronds, with the spores on the underside.

The spores are poisonous

All ferns are more or less poisonous. Their spores can also be dangerous. Even inhaling bracken spores can lead to symptoms of poisoning in humans and animals. Therefore, if you handle the spores, it is better to put on a breathing mask.

The spores are intended for reproduction

Ferns can also be propagated by cuttings, division or nodules. But in nature and without human help, these plants always reproduce through their spores. They ripen between June and November and are spread by the wind.

How to propagate a fern using its spores

First you need mature spores. They usually mature in summer. Cut off a spurred frond! Then place it on a piece of paper and wait a day for the spores from the capsules (so-called sporangia) to fall onto the paper.

Here are the ripening times of the spores of different types of ferns:

  • Royal Fern: May to June
  • Peacock Fern: August to September
  • Venus hair fern: August to September
  • Shield Fern: June
  • Bladder Fern: July
  • Bracken: July
  • Male fern: August to September

Sow the spores

This is how the sowing of the spores is done:

  • Distribute spores on moist growing soil
  • cover with plastic bag or lid
  • put in a warm, bright place
  • air regularly (to avoid mold formation)
  • keep spores moist
  • after 3 months: formation of greenish coating
  • after 1 year: new plants
  • prick if necessary
  • Grow in pots and plant out from May

tips and tricks

Check whether the spores are ripe: run your finger over the spore capsules. If you then have dust on your finger, the spores are ripe.

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Vegetable garden