Hostas are one of my favorite garden plants so it stands to reason that I like to propagate more! The propagation of hostas is done primarily through division which is a very simple process. Like any process there are several methods that will work to propagate and divide hostas.
The Best Time to Divide Hostas
The best time to divide hostas is in the spring just before the leaf spears have unfurled. It’s at this time when you can see what kind of divisions you can make without damaging leaves too much. However I’ve found that hostas divide fairly successfully nearly any time during the growing season if cared for properly.
The Process of Dividing Hostas
To divide hostas start by watering them. This reduces stress and allows you to break up the clump easier. Dig around the clump far enough to make sure you have enough roots. That’s usually about 4-6 inches out form the base of the plant.
Once you remove the plant work to remove the soil around from the plant to see what you have. Identify the divisions you want to make then begin prying them apart. You can use a spade or a garden knife to separate the clumps but if your soil is sufficiently moist you may not need to use one.
Hosta Dividing Tip
If your garden soil is too tight or has heavy clay soak the clump in a bucket of water for a little while to loosen it up.
After Dividing Your Hostas
Once you have divided your hostas into several new plants place them back in the garden or pot them up for later plantings. Hostas like locations in shade. Although some do between with a little more light generally they enjoy full shade. When planting put a small amount of wood chips in the bottom of the hole to add some drainage.
Watch How to Divide Hostas
You can see the entire process of dividing hostas in the video below. At the end you can see how successful these hosta divisions were.
A Few More Tips for Dividing Hostas
- Use a sharp, clean knife: When dividing your hostas, it’s important to use a sharp, clean knife or spade. This will make it easier to separate the roots without causing too much damage to the plant. Dull tools can tear the roots, which can lead to poor growth and even plant death.
- Consider the size of the divisions: When dividing hostas, you can make small or large divisions depending on your preference. However, it’s important to remember that the smaller the division, the longer it will take for the plant to mature and produce foliage. Larger divisions, on the other hand, may produce foliage more quickly but can take longer to establish in the garden.
- Don’t be afraid to prune the foliage: Dividing hostas often means cutting back some of the foliage to make the divisions. This is normal and won’t harm the plant. In fact, removing some of the foliage can help reduce stress on the plant as it adjusts to its new environment.
- Provide proper care after dividing: After dividing your hostas, it’s important to provide them with proper care to ensure they establish well. This includes keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, providing shade from direct sunlight, and fertilizing regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Label your divisions: If you’re dividing multiple hostas at once, it can be helpful to label your divisions so you know which variety each one is. This can be especially helpful if you plan to transplant them at different times or give some away to friends and family.
