Growing Hostas: Food and Water

Growing hostas is a sure bet for fabulous, foolproof foliage that will enhance any garden. Their food and water requirements are minimal, and they repay even even modest care with stunning beauty.

Hostas are the most popular perennial in the US and it's easy to see why - these undemanding, easy-to-grow plants will thrive almost anywhere with a minimum of care.

Water Requirements

Hostas like to be moist, but they don't like to be soggy. As a general guideline, think in terms of a minimum of an inch of water per week, but be prepared to adjust according to temperature and conditions.

When the temperatures are high, hostas will need more water. If you're growing your hostas in sandy soil water will drain quickly, so you may need to increase the amount of water you provide.

Deep watering is important to ensure good root development. Keeping the roots moist is particularly important when planting a new hosta or transplanting an older one, so take extra precautions. Mail-order hostas, which are frequently shipped with bare roots, should be soaked in tepid water for about a half hour before planting. If you're dividing a large hosta or relocating a hosta to another part of your garden, water it well both before you start digging and after it has been planted.

Hostas do best when they're evenly moist, so avoid the drought/flood syndrome. Good drainage is important - avoid standing water.

* Signs of inadequate water: drooping, pale foliage, and burning on the tips of the leaves
* When to water: watering early in the day is good for most plants, including hostas.

Fertilizer Requirements

Hostas aren't heavy feeders, so a good feeding in early spring (before they break ground) is generally enough to keep them happy. A balanced slow release fertilizer such as 13-13-13 is both safe and effective for hostas. If you like to fertilize during the season, use a weak mixture of a 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Growing hostas in containers is possible, but requires more attention to food and water needs. Check potted hostas daily to make sure the soil is evenly moist, and feed with a weak 20-20-20 fertilizer mix about once a month through the growing season.

Hostas are the number one perennials in US gardens, and no wonder - they're adaptable, easy-to-grow plants that need little care but provide a beautiful display. To learn more about growing hostas, visit the Growing Hostas website.