Polystichum setiferum is a perennial plant, so it does not have a specific harvesting season. It is typically harvested in the spring or summer months, so the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September would be the best months to start harvesting the fruits from this species.
soft shield fern
Polystichum setiferum
Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) is a rush-like, evergreen fern with soft, lacy fronds that create an interesting texture in the garden. The fronds are bright green in spring, turning to a golden yellow as the season progresses. Hardy in zones 4–9, this fern does best in part shade and moist soil. It makes a great addition to borders, woodland gardens, and container planting. Although it will not tolerate drought, it is fairly tolerant of salt, making it a useful choice for seaside plantings. Once established, this fern requires minimal care.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Spore Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
6 - 8
Flowers:
Non-flowering Flowers
Sun:
Deep shade, Filtered shade, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Acidic, Humus rich, Well-drained
Fruits:
brown,tan,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
Medium
watering
The soft shield fern should be watered often enough to keep the soil constantly moist, but not soggy. Watering should be done 1-2 times per week, depending on the temperature and humidity levels in the room. In hotter or drier times more frequent watering may be required, such as every other day. When watering, water until moisture begins to drip from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, and be sure to empty any excess water from the tray the pot is sitting in to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
sunlight
Soft shield ferns need at least partial shade, as they prefer a dappled or lightly filtered light. They do best when exposed to between 2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Exposure to direct sunlight for more than 4 hours can cause the fronds to become more brittle and scorched. It is best to avoid exposing soft shield ferns to direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day, which is usually between 11am and 3pm.
pruning
Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) should be pruned annually. Pruning should take place in early spring, before the new growth appears. Use sharp, sterile scissors or pruners to trim back any fronds that are brown or damaged. Try to avoid removing healthy foliage as much as possible. Cutting back no more than 1-third of the fronds will help maintain the size and shape of the fern. Occasionally, the fern may need additional pruning in midsummer or late summer, depending on the desired look. Be sure to remove any dead leaves from the base of the plant and water regularly after pruning.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Soft shield ferns typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.
Harvest Fruit
Polystichum setiferum is a perennial plant, so it does not have a specific harvesting season. It is typically harvested in the spring or summer months, so the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September would be the best months to start harvesting the fruits from this species.
Starts Flowering
Soft shield ferns typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.
Harvest Fruit
Polystichum setiferum is a perennial plant, so it does not have a specific harvesting season. It is typically harvested in the spring or summer months, so the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September would be the best months to start harvesting the fruits from this species.
