From my tiny, dark perspective as a seed, I must be honest: propagating my kind, the Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii'), is a test of patience. While it is possible to grow a new plant from a seed like me, it is not the most practical or efficient method for you, the gardener. I develop slowly within a small berry that forms after my parent plant's delicate white flowers are pollinated. This process alone takes many weeks. Furthermore, the germination rate for my fellow seeds can be inconsistent, and the journey from a fragile seedling to a robust, plume-producing plant is a long one, often taking several years.
My mature form is a complex network of tuberous roots that store water and energy. This root system is my greatest strength and the key to a much more reliable way to create new plants. For you, the most successful and practical method is to divide my roots. When a mature clump is carefully lifted from the soil and the root mass is separated into smaller sections, each with its own stems and tubers, you are essentially creating clones of the parent plant. These divisions already possess a stored energy reserve, allowing them to establish quickly and begin producing new, fuzzy "foxtails" within a single growing season. It is a far quicker and more guaranteed path to success.
If you are determined to try and grow from seed, you must understand my specific needs. First, you must acquire fresh seeds, as my viability decreases rapidly. The hard outer coat that protects me needs to be softened. This requires a process called scarification—gently rubbing me with sandpaper or nicking my coat with a knife—followed by soaking in lukewarm water for 24 hours to encourage me to imbibe water and awaken. After this, I need to be planted in a warm, moist, and well-draining seed-starting mix. I will not sprout in cold soil; consistent warmth is my cue that the conditions are safe for growth. This entire process is a delicate dance with a high chance of missteps.
Assuming I successfully germinate, my journey has only just begun. The initial seedling that emerges will look nothing like the elegant arching plumes you desire. I will first produce simple, needle-like leaves. For many months, I will focus my energy on developing my tuberous root system beneath the soil's surface. This underground growth is critical for my long-term survival but offers little visual reward above ground. It can take a year or more before I gather enough strength to send up my first true, fern-like stem. This lengthy juvenile phase is why division is so favored; it bypasses this slow and vulnerable stage entirely.
