If you’re going to plant hostas in late summer, do it at least six weeks before the first frost. [1] X Research source
You can protect hostas from sun, wind, and hail by planting them under established trees. Make sure you don’t plant them too close to the roots, however, or the hostas will have to compete for nutrients. Hosta’s shade tolerance depends on the type. As a rule, those with yellow leaves can survive more sunlight than hostas with green, blue, or white leaves. Blue hostas need the most protection from the sun. [2] X Research source Hostas will also thrive near outer building corners that still get some mild sun exposure.
Good organic matter for hostas includes aged manure or compost, peat moss, and leaf mulch. The ideal pH for hostas is between 6 and 6. 5. Hostas don’t need a large space for planting. If you’re planting individual hostas, the hole only needs to be as wide as the root system.
Choose a bucket or bowl that’s slightly smaller than the crown of the hosta. Fill the bucket with cold water. Rest one hosta crown on the rim of the bucket so the roots are soaking in the water below. Repeat for each hosta. Soak the plants for at least an hour before transplanting. If you’re not transplanting the hostas immediately, leave them soaking to keep the roots moist.
Hostas, especially potted ones, are susceptible to tangled roots. The plants can strangle themselves if you try to plant them in the ground with their roots tangled.
Water each plant thoroughly immediately after planting. Leave enough space between the hostas to accommodate for their mature width. This will depend on the variety of hosta you have. If you’re not sure, leave about 3 feet (76 cm) of space between the hostas.
Ideal mulch for hostas includes shredded bark, pine needles, or mulched leaves.
Give the hostas about an inch (2. 5 cm) of water per week during active growing phases in spring and summer.
Dying leaves can still suck nutrients from a plant, so you can help the hostas conserve energy for winter by removing these leaves in fall.
Leave the hostas packed and covered with leaves until after the last frost in spring. Covering the plants with organic matter will also help maintain the soil temperature and moisture level.
