Hostas: [Care, Sowing, Irrigation, Substrate and Possible Problems]

Hosts are prized primarily for their foliage but also have attractive, often scented blooms in July or August.

These hardy clump-forming perennials are popular are unbeatable for low-growing foliage interest in spring and summer.

They thrive in semi shade and are also used as ornamental plants .

Choose well what size you want your hostas to be

It’s hard not to be impulsive when buying plants, but with hostas, it’s important that the size of the plant matches the available space. Most hosta plants look similar when in a pot, but things change once they’re in the ground.

Some are kept to about 15 cm in height, while others can grow almost to the waist with an equal distribution.

Unlike most perennials , hosts rarely need to be divided, unless they outgrow their space and start crowding neighboring plants. So be sure to read the label and think about how the plants will fill the space once they reach their mature size.

If you choose varieties that grow too big, or place the plants too close together, you will soon be doing some dividing and transplanting.

Where to plant hostas?

Hostas enjoy fertile soil that retains water.

Very heavy clay and sandy soils must be improved by excavating abundant well-rotted organic matter. Ideally, the soil pH should be 6.5, but it’s still worth growing in acidic or alkaline soils.

Choose a light or semi-shadow position. Hostas are very hardy, so they will thrive in a north-facing garden or frost bag.

Since hostas enjoy soil that retains water, they are ideal for planting in a swamp garden, but should not be treated as aquatic . For this reason, they are often planted near a pond, but never within it.

When potted plants are grown, they should be sown in a container with lots of drainage holes, as waterlogged soil will kill the plant.

Avoid metal containers, which heat up quickly in the sun, as the roots must be kept cool. Avoid small pots, as they will dry out too quickly.

When to grow hostas?

Hostas can be planted at any time of the year, but it is best not to do so in mid-summer when temperatures are high and the soil is often dry due to low rainfall.

Hostas are not fussy about temperature or humidity and can grow in a wide range of climates. It is better to plant them in a place that is protected from strong winds.

How do we water the hostas?

Hosts in the ground may need watering in times of drought – aim to keep the soil at least slightly moist to a depth of 15cm (6in) – check by digging nearby if necessary.

Containerized plants need regular watering in summer as they dry out quickly. Plants that dry out brown along the margins of the leaves.

What substrate do they need?

Fertile soil a mulch annual garden compost or manure rotten food it is all necessary.

On poorer soils, apply a general purpose fertilizer, per manufacturers’ recommendations, in early spring and then mulch . This along with adequate humidity will ensure large, healthy foliage.

Containerized: liquid feed once a month when growing, using a general purpose liquid fertilizer.

The flower stalks can be left in place until the plants are groomed in late fall, when the leaves naturally die off. Alternatively, they can be removed once the flowers fade to save plants from wasting energy in seed production .

Hostas are quite hardy but the foliage dies in late fall and the plants remain dormant until mid- spring . New leaves that emerge in spring can be damaged by frost.

Protect with 2-3 layers of horticultural fleece if a cold winter is anticipated.

How to plant hostas step by step?

1. Start planting your hostas in the spring or fall . Perennials will thrive best when planted in early spring and early fall. Plants are actively growing in the spring and fall, which means they will take better roots at those times.
2. Choose a location that receives indirect sunlight. Hostas are known to tolerate shade, which means they need some light, but they do best in shady areas.
3. Prepare the land. Hostas like moist, well-drained, fertile soil. To prepare the garden soil, work the soil to a depth of 30 cm. and mix with a generous amount of aged compost . This will provide the soil with all the nutrients the hostas need, and will ensure that the water drains properly.
4. Place the hostas in shallow holes. For each hosta, dig a hole in the soil about 3 inches deep and wide enough to place the roots. Place the root ball in the hole and cover the roots with soil.
5. Give the hostas enough space between them. Between 100 and 150 centimeters minimum.
6. Water the soil well after planting and keep the soil moist. As soon as you finish planting the hostas, water the hosts thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. As the plants grow, give them about 4 cm of water each week, spread over several days.

Possible Hostas Problems

Slugs and snails are the number one enemy of the hosta.

In early spring, as the hostas reap their leaves, be on the lookout. A good trick is to put eggshells around the hostas. This will cause slugs and snails to get damaged in passing and will prevent them from climbing onto our hostas.

We will not deceive you, it is difficult to end this problem. One of our best solutions is that you have a chicken coop nearby. Chickens eat snails and slugs and this prevents them from greatly annoying your orchard or garden.

Remove as many slugs and snails by hand as possible, remembering that they are most active at night.

Registered hostas species