Spores 

Ferns can be propagated from spores which develop in clusters on the underside of fronds. Collect fronds that have produces spores and store them in an envelope until dry. After drying, separate the dust-like spores and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
Germinating spores requires more time and care than germinating seeds. Growing ferns from spores involves the two different generations of ferns. Spores first produce an asexual plant called a gametophyte (gam-EAT-oh-fight). This plant is very small and has none of the usual plant parts. It resembles a moss-like growth and is about 3mm thick.
The gametophyte reproduces sexually and forms sporophytes (SPORE-oh-fights) which have visible roots, stems and leaves.
During the first phase of growing ferns, sterile conditions are critical. Moss, fungi and algae compete aggressively with the young fern gametophytes. Sow spores on top of a sterile, moist, soilless mix in a disinfested container> Water must also be sterile. It takes from 3 to 6 months to grow ferns from spores.

Japanese Painted Fern

A Japanese Painted Fern leaf was harvested October 30 and placed in a paper envelope to dry for "one to two weeks". On December 6 the spores were dusted onto a piece of white paper by taping. The spores were dusted onto the surface of a plastic pot with moist potting soil and covered with plastic. It was then placed onto a east facing window sill (warm, good light, not in direct sunlight, with 100% humidity). May 30 small plant leaves (prothali) observed.

				Dec 6
May 30	May 30	Prothali 10X

In about 10 weeks a green algae form will form on the pot surface.
In 2 more months small ear shaped structures will appear - prothali.
In 2 more months small fronds will appear, slowly remove the plastic.
When the fronds form individual plants tease them apart and place in bedding trays.
In 3 to 4 months them will be large enough to transplant into larger containers prior to moving to the garden.