Dryopteris arguta ( Coastal Wood Fern) spore propogation

[Anonymous]

I have successfully germinated a few D. arguta spores after 5 months and now have four or five developing prothalli. The glass-covered pots had been inside for 4+ months in indirect light and nothing happened. I moved them outside into indirect light, after the weather cooled off, and now see some growth. My question is, Should I keep the covered pots outside all winter? I am in zone 9, temps often down to 35 F, occassionally 25. Please advise.</p>

[Anonymous]

My experience growing ferns from spores has been in a greenhouse environment, rather than directly outdoors.

You are to be commended for getting the spores this far along, as D. arguta is not the easiest native fern to grow from spores. Perhaps Athyrium filix-femina is the easiest!

You might call the Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, and ask if Margery Edgren is around. She has extensive experience growing native ferns, particularly under non-sterile conditions.

Good luck!</p>

[Anonymous]

How interesing. I have always thought that D. arguta was very hard to propagate. I have always used division to get more. My friend Wendy Born--spores@excite.com-grows many native ferns P. munitum and W. fimbriata from spore in a heated greenhouse. You could write to her and ask her the questions that you have. She could probably give you some general answer. </p>