Discover the Best Time of Year to Plant Hostas

Hostas, also called plantain lilies, are hardy, shade-tolerant perennials that are native to Korea, Japan, and China. The beautiful, popular plant is easy to grow and adds a charming touch of greenery to any garden. With 70 species and over 3,000 varieties of hostas, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. However, many people wonder when to plant hostas in their yard or garden.

Growing hostas is relatively simple, but certain times of the year are better than others for cultivating this gorgeous plant. Here’s when to plant hostas and how you can help them last through each season.

When is the Best Time to Plant Hostas?

The best times of the year to plant hostas are early spring and autumn. During these seasons, temperatures and weather conditions are usually milder. For instance, the summer often brings scorching heat while the winter brings freezing conditions, both of which are not sustainable for new hosta plants. Planting them early in the spring or autumn will make sure they develop well-established root systems before experiencing any extreme weather. Hostas especially thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9. 

Growing Tips for Hostas

Here are some tips for growing your hostas year-round.

Germinate Seeds During Late Winter/Early Spring

If you plan to plant hosta seeds rather than full-grown varieties, you’ll want to germinate them during late winter or early spring. This involves planting the seeds in soil or a wet paper towel, covering them with a plastic bag, lid, or something similar, and then placing them in a warm location. Typically, you will do this indoors — especially if it’s still cold outside. Do this with more seeds than you need, as some of them might not germinate properly. 

Plant Seedlings During Early Fall

Early autumn is the perfect time to transfer or plant those seedlings outdoors. Make sure to cover them with at least ¼ inch of soil. Remember, hostas prefer environments with partial shade, so you don’t need to plant them in direct sunlight.

Plant Hosta Varieties During Early Spring or Early Fall

If you’re planting a hosta variety that’s already grown, you can do so early in spring or autumn. As mentioned earlier, hostas are quite hardy, so they can withstand winter and summer temperatures pretty well — but only if they’ve developed a solid root system and aren’t too young. Even so, there are some ways you can winterize your hostas to ensure they thrive during their growth seasons. 

During the spring specifically, hostas will have access to warm — not scorching — sun (in most areas) and time to prepare for the hot summer temperatures. Additionally, spring is notorious for its abundance of rain, ensuring moist soil throughout the season.

Fall, on the other hand, is a great time to plant potted hostas that already have a well-established root system. This will guarantee they’re able to withstand winter conditions.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jacquie Klose/Shutterstock.com