Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Very popular and undemanding perennial. Grown mostly for its decorative foliage, plants remain attractive from spring until frost. Most flower mid-July to early August. Hosta prefer partial shade, although a few will tolerate sun with adequate moisture. Use as a ground cover, for edging, or as an accent plant in the shady border.
NOTE SIZE: 25 X #1 TC: Look for this size for large bare root hosta grown from certified virus-free tissue culture. These hosta are grown for 2 years without digging and are tested 4 times per year for HVX. The 3rd year these hosta are dug, divided, replanted, and again tested 4 times for HVX. Any lots testing positive for HVX are immediatly destroyed. The 4th year these hosta are dug, graded for size, and packed for export. These hosta are not divided at this time to minimize infection and transference of HVX. This ensures the greatest possibility of receiving a virus-free crop along with realizing the benefits of field grown hosta, i.e. larger roots and more eyes.
Grow: Use well-drained soil with a pH 6.0 - 6.5. Center and plant so crown is 1" below soil surface, leaving developing eyes at or just below the soil surface. Spread roots evenly throughout the soil for faster growth.
Temperatures: Grow at 50F minimum to stimulate growth. If growing outside in early spring, do not allow pots to freeze.
Watering: Allow pots to dry slightly between watering, especially until growth appears.
Fertilizer: Hostas are light to moderate feeders. It is best to incorporate a slow release fertilizer in the soil prior to transplanting. If topdressing is desired, apply to the top of the soil after potting. If foliage is present, careful application must not allow fertilizer to become trapped in the leaf petioles. Otherwise, some leaf burning may occur.
Shade: Although some varieties are sun tolerant, provide 30% shade for best growth and quality.
| Growing Temperature: | Grow at 50F minimum to stimulate growth. If growing outside in early spring, do not allow pots to freese. |
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| Soil pH: | 6.0-6.5 |
| Fertility: | Hostas are light to moderate feeders. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Aphids are particularly fond of the new growth. If they feed excessively, the leaves may appear disfigured when they unfurl. Applications of Rycar, Endeavor and BotaniGard are effective at preventing aphids. Applications of Avid, Floramite, Sultan and predatory mites are effective on some varieties of hostas which are susceptible to spider mites. Mainspring, Conserve, Orius and predatory mites are effective against thrips. Slugs tend to seek out hostas. Good greenhouse sanitation before potting is the best way to prevent a slug outbreak. Mice and voles also enjoy a tasty meal of hosta roots and crowns. Prevent rodent problems by using bait or traps. |
| Potting and Timing: | Potting soil should be a well-drained, bark-based, soilless mix. Use a pot that corresponds with the size of the roots. Giving roots the space they need will allow plants to reach their optimum size and quality. When transplanting, it is best to spread or fan out the roots since this tends to encourage new growth. When transplanting in spring, keep hostas at 50° F for the first two weeks to promote root growth. Minimum temperatures may then be lowered to 40° F. |
| Moisture: | Allow pots to dry slightly between watering, especially until growth appears. |
| Planting Level: | Center and plant so crowin is 1" below soil surface, eaving developing eyes at or just below the soil surface. Spreading roots evenly thoughout the soil for faster growth. |
| PGRs/Pinching: | Providing adequate space is the best method to achieve nicely shaped hostas without stretching. |
| Lighting: | Long days encourage new foliage growth and root growth. |
