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Hosta Planting and Maintenance Tips

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Homestead Farms Hostas
Planting & Maintenance Tips

Generally, Hostas prefer to be grown in fertile soil that is moist but well-drained and part shade to partly sunning conditions. Light requirements can vary greatly between cultivars and can also depend on local climate – hostas grown in cooler northern climates can tolerate more direct sun than hostas grown in the south. Understanding these basic requirements and following our recommendations will help your hosta get quickly established and reward you with years of beauty!

As stated above, the amount of light a hosta should receive is dependent on climate. Hostas grown in bright, dappled sunlight throughout the day or hostas grown in morning sun and afternoon shade would be considered ideal conditions for most climates in the U.S. Hostas will do best in moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. If your soil is sandy or heavy clay we recommend working in lots of composted organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or peat moss. In sandy soils compost will help retain water and nutrients for the plant. In clay soils compost loosens the soil for better drainage and root development.

Upon receiving your new hostas, remove the packing and soak the bare roots in a solution of water & soluble fertilizer overnight. If the hosta cannot be planted within a day or two of receipt, they can be potted and held in a shaded place until ready to plant. After the compost has been added and the ground worked up in the bed to be planted, dig a hole larger than the root mass. In the center of the hole make a mound so that the crown of the hosta can rest on it with the roots fanned out & running down each side of the mound. Work the soil around the roots filling the hole, firm the soil, water well and apply a thin layer of your favorite mulch. Take care to keep the mulch off the hosta petiole to discourage fungal diseases.

Ideally hostas should be lightly mulched in spring and fall and fed in spring (when you see them poking through the ground) and early summer. A balanced granular fertilizer (10-10-10) or a slow release may be used in the spring and a liquid fertilizer in early summer. During the growing season hostas should receive one inch of water per week. Morning watering is the best (evening and night watering tends to encourage slugs).

Homestead Farms • A Perennial Nursery
Phone 1-888-314-3148 • www.homesteadfarms.com


 

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3701 Highway EE
Owensville, Missouri 65066


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