How to Stratify Asparagus Fern Berries

Overview

You can find asparagus ferns in homes as houseplants all over the country. In warmer areas they will grow outside and are used as ground cover in landscaping beds. However, their growth is so vigorous, the plant is now listed on the invasive species list for Florida. Asparagus ferns flower in the summer and produce small red berries in he fall. You can grow new plants by planting the seeds that appear in the late summer.

Step 1

Remove the outer coating from the asparagus fern berries. The berries need to be collected while they are fresh. They are viable only for a short time so you will need to use them as soon as possible. If you store them with the coating still on, they will likely start to mold as they decompose.

Step 2

Place the black seeds into a damp paper towel and fold it several times to enclose the seeds. Place the folded towel in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Asparagus ferns no not need cold temperatures to break the seed dormancy, but this will keep the seeds fresh until you are ready to plant them.

Step 3

Remove the seeds from the refrigerator and open the paper towel carefully to make sure you do not break off any sprouts that may have already started growing.

Step 4

Plant the moist seeds in regular potting soil. They should sprout within seven to 10 days.