last year I transplanted from my daughters woods into my fern garden and a plot near the house. seed pods are developing. how can I help the seed pods to spread? I'm
in uncharted territory. I have held one of the transplants in a container can I seed in other containers
or divide.

Normally root division is best for cardinals. There are some hybrids now for which seed propagation is recommended over root division, but I've always ignored that with excellent results. Most cardinals will self-seed pretty well if left alone with no human interference, given the right moist soil conditions. When dividing, clip the stalks down to about a half an inch above soil-line on the stalk just before transplant. Spring or Fall is fine.

Try a google search on them, you'll find an abundance of conflicting information.

Since yours came from the woods they may not be one of the newer hybrids. (a good thing.) They like a moist soil, moist feet, sun-to-part- sun. A bunch of non-chem-treated leaf humus/grass clippings 'round their feet works well, 1/2" deep, replenish as it breaks down.

thanks, did the goggle thing but couldn't find an answer.
The one in my fern garden I'll let self seed. The one in the container I'll divide and repot. I've seen no mention of division and that never crossed my mind. Thanks again

or maybe division did cross my mind

Oops... :8}
I saw this Q. in "Over the Fence" first... ...and gave it a whirl.

beebs answer is much more instructive, but mine works good as a simple addition to hers. *sigh*

Good Luck...again!