Sweetfern
Comptonia peregrina
Family: Myricaceae
Sweetfern grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers dry, sandy acidic soil. Water needs: Low.
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How to Grow Sweetfern
Sweetfern growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun to partial shade, soil conditions listed as Dry, sandy acidic soil with a soil pH of 4.5-6.0, and Low water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-6. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Sweetfern as 60-90 days after stratification, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 2-3 years.
Plant Overview
Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is listed in the Myricaceae family and categorized as a shrub with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0549
- Family
- Myricaceae
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Sweetfern is listed for full sun to partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as low. The database soil reference is Dry, sandy acidic soil. The listed soil pH range is 4.5-6.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-6.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-6
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Dry, sandy acidic soil
- Soil pH
- 4.5-6.0
- Water needs
- Low
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 60-90 days after stratification and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 2-3 years. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 60-90 days after stratification
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 2-3 years
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.