From my perspective as a Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'), the question of growing my kind from seed is a complex one. While it is technically possible, it is not the path I, or my species, primarily intend for propagation. I do not produce true seeds in the way a flowering rose or an oak tree does. The red "berries" you see on some of my stems are not true fruits but seed-like structures. Inside, they hold the potential for new life, but this method is fraught with challenges and is incredibly slow. My evolutionary design favors spreading through my root system, a much more efficient and reliable method for creating clones of myself.
If a hobbyist insists on trying the seed route, they must understand my needs. First, the berries must be fully ripe, showing a bright red color and a slightly soft texture. The pulp surrounding the seed must be completely removed, as it contains germination inhibitors—a natural chemical signal from me to prevent a new seedling from competing too close to the parent plant. Even after stratification (a cold period to mimic winter) and scarification (gently nicking the hard seed coat), germination is notoriously unreliable and painfully slow. It can take several months to a year for a shoot to appear, and several more years before it resembles the lush, bushy plant you desire. This is a test of immense patience.
My preferred and most generous method of giving you new plants is through division. This speaks directly to how I naturally grow and expand in the wild. My root system is a storage organ called a tuberous rhizome. These rhizomes store energy and send up new shoots. In early spring, as I break my dormancy, you can carefully lift me from my pot. Using a clean, sharp knife, you can divide these rhizomes, ensuring each new section has a healthy portion of roots and several growing heads (shoots). This method is successful because you are not working against my biology but with it. You are harnessing my own strategy for colonization.
I also offer another, slightly less common avenue: propagation from stem cuttings. While not as guaranteed as division, it can be successful. Select a healthy, mature frond and cut it near the base. You can place this cutting in a container with a moist, well-draining potting mix, creating a humid environment around it, perhaps with a plastic bag. The energy stored in my stem will attempt to redirect itself to form new roots. However, this process draws heavily on my stored resources and is not my most efficient way to create a new, independent plant. It is a gamble, but one that some persistent gardeners can win.
