When do you think is the best time to relocate your ferns?

Some say Spring and some say Fall.

I am going to relocate some Ostrich ferns. If anyone have this fern you know they grow like weeds so if they do not survive It will not be a big deal. I will have plenty more because they multiply so fast.

I have not had much luck here getting them to grow. I bought several and only have one still barely hanging in there, it was called a Tennessee Ostrich fern I believe.

here in seattle the western sword fern grows like a weed. for me I would transplant them in early spring. but that's just me.

riverman123 said:here in seattle the western sword fern grows like a weed. for me I would transplant them in early spring. but that's just me.

Is there a difference between the western sword fern and just regular sword fern? I want to plant some of the western types after I saw them growing big and healthy-looking at my wife's workplace.

Cinta, I dug around on line a bit. A few sites recommended spring for transplanting, but more often than that It sounds like this fern tolerates moving with ease.

My little plants are doing well, a little growth and I will send a pic.

I don't know more about it.

I also thin and transplant in spring. I have thinned ferns in early summer and had no problems, but I made sure they stayed well watered. I had to move a couple in late fall years ago and had no problems, but they had gone dormant by then.

Can't speak for your ferns but I can tell you about my experience with Southern Wood Ferns. Neighbors across the street from me have mostly ferns covering their front yard. Planted in the 40s. I have a standing invitation to take as many as I like.
It took me a few (or more) times to get the hang of it. Now, as soon as I see the little fiddleheads starting to pop up, I know that I'd better get ready to dig.
So I vote for Spring.

Yep early Spring as soon as you see proof of life. When I waited until they were all the way up I was not successful. I did not think you could kill them. They were taking over my hosta garden and wanted to relocate some of them. They are o tall and pretty.

Hi Cinta, I transplanted mine in the middle of summer with no problems, as you said they do multiply like rabbits.

crawgarden said:Hi Cinta, I transplanted mine in the middle of summer with no problems, as you said they do multiply like rabbits.

We have been having extreme heat summers. I was probably too hot and dry when I moved them. They are calling for 90s next week. That is extreme for is when normal would be 70.