Ferns are fascinating plants that go through a cycle of growth and dormancy throughout the year. The specific month in which ferns start to grow back can vary depending on the specific type of fern and the climate in which it is growing. However, in general, ferns tend to experience new growth in the spring.
Deciduous ferns, which are those that lose their leaves or fronds during the winter, typically start to grow back in the early spring. As the temperatures begin to warm up and the days start to get longer, these ferns come out of their dormant state and begin to produce new fronds. It is important to note that deciduous ferns should not be pruned or cut back until late autumn or early winter when they have completed their growth for the year. By cutting away the old fronds at this time, you allow space for new fiddleheads, or crosiers, to emerge in the center of the plant in the following spring.
On the other hand, evergreen ferns, as the name suggests, retain their fronds throughout the year and do not go through a period of complete dormancy. However, they still experience new growth in the spring. In the late winter or early spring, evergreen ferns may have experienced some damage to their fronds due to the harsh winter conditions. To encourage new growth and maintain the health of the plant, it is recommended to cut away the old fronds at the end of winter. This stimulates the emergence of fresh fiddleheads in the center of the plant, which will develop into new fronds during the spring and early summer.
It is worth mentioning that the exact timing of fern growth can vary depending on factors such as the specific species of fern, the local climate, and the growing conditions. In regions with milder winters, fern growth may start earlier in the year, while in colder climates, it may be delayed until later in the spring. Additionally, some ferns may have slightly different growth patterns based on their unique characteristics.
In my personal experience, I have observed ferns starting to grow back in late March or early April in a temperate climate. The emergence of fresh fiddleheads is always an exciting sight, as it signifies the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. Watching the tightly coiled crosiers unfurl and develop into lush green fronds is truly a remarkable process.
To summarize, ferns generally experience new growth in the spring, with deciduous ferns growing back after late autumn pruning and evergreen ferns showing new growth after cutting away old fronds at the end of winter. However, it is important to remember that the specific month of fern growth can vary depending on the type of fern and the local climate.