How to Grow Hostas from Seed

Why Hostas are Great in the Garden

Hostas are a very popular choice for gardeners. Who wouldn’t want an amazing foliage plant that has so many options. Hostas offer a wide array of colors, size, and variegation. It would be hard not to find a good hosta for a nice shady garden location!

Smaller hostas can be easily tucked into established planting areas and large ones can become features! Hostas grow well in pots so even if you don’t have a garden you can plant one up and put on the porch.

Hostas are low-maintenance plants and once established they require minimal care and attention. They are tolerant of various soil conditions and can thrive in partial sun to shade, making them adaptable to different garden environments.

These beautiful foliage plants are well known for their ability to fill in empty garden spaces and provide ground cover. The dense foliage helps to suppress weed growth which reduces the need for constant weeding. Who doesn’t like that?

A hosta’s greatest problem is that they are very well loved by deer and rabbits! If you have those animals nearby you will need to seek some extra protection for your hostas.

What Growing Conditions do Hostas Need?

When planting a hosta garden one important factor to consider is the amount of sunlight. While they can tolerate some sun (early morning sun is OK, afternoon is not), they generally prefer shade or partial shade. This makes them a great choice for gardens with limited direct sunlight or areas under trees where other plants may struggle to grow.

Soil Quality

Another important thing to consider is the soil quality. Hostas love well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure can help improve its fertility and drainage. It’s also important to ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Hostas are not terribly fussy though and will tolerate soils that may not be 100% perfect.

Water Needs

In terms of watering, hostas require consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. They prefer soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. When you plant them in the hole consider adding a small layer of mulch or soil conditioner to the bottom. This can help improve drainage and retain moisture!

Fertilizing Hostas

Hostas do enjoy regular fertilization. Who doesn’t like to eat? You can use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. A 10-10-10 NPK is just right for hostas.

How to propagate Hosta

Dividing a hosta is the primary method most gardeners use to propagate hostas. I have a complete video on dividing hostas and information on that process here: How to Divide Hostas.

They also can be propagated through seeds (which is what this article is about obviously) as well as through tissue culture.

When to Collect Hosta Seed

The first step to grow hostas from seed is to collect the seed! When collecting seed for hostas the ideal time is when the seed pods have turned brown and are starting to split open (see picture). This usually occurs in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety and location.

If the seed pods have not opened yet to determine if the seed pods are ready for harvesting, gently squeeze them. If they feel firm and the pods are starting to crack open, it’s time to collect the seeds. Avoid collecting the seeds too early when the pods are still green and plump, as the seeds may not be fully mature and may not germinate properly.

Storing Seeds

When collecting hosta seeds, use clean and dry hands or gloves to prevent any contamination. Carefully remove the seed pods from the plant, making sure not to damage them. Place the seed pods in a clean container or envelope, and label them with the hosta variety and collection date.

After collecting the seeds, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their viability. Keep the seeds in a cool and dry place, such as a refrigerator, until you are ready to sow them. Properly stored hosta seeds can remain viable for several years.

To see a complete step by step video on growing hostas from seed check out the video below. I start with seeds and show you germinated hostas seedlings!

How to Grow Hostas from Seed – Step by Step

• First, prepare a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. I use a seed starting mix from Jiffy Peat (Amazon affiliate link)
• Next, sprinkle the hosta seeds evenly on the soil surface. Do not bury the seeds as they require light to germinate. Gently press the seeds into the soil to ensure good contact.
• Cover the tray or pots with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect. This will help retain moisture and create a warm environment for germination. I used an old take out tray for my seedling tray. You can even use two plastic cups and put them together as long as the top one is clear for light.
• Place the tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature for hosta seed germination is around 60°F-70°F.
• Check the soil moisture regularly and mist if necessary to keep it moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rotting.
• Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the hosta variety. Be patient and keep an eye on the tray or pots. In the video they germinated in about 12 days from sowing.
• Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a garden bed.
• Remember to gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden.

Hosta seedlings from variegated hostas will not show variegation like the parent plants. Very few hostas actually will come true from seeds.

Potting Up Hostas Grown from Seed

Once the hosta seedlings have reached a suitable size, usually around 2-3 inches tall and with a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers. This allows for better control over their growing conditions and ensures they have enough space to develop strong root systems.

Soil Mix

When potting up hostas, it’s important to use a well-draining potting mix. This will prevent waterlogged soil and reduce the risk of root rot. You can either purchase a commercial potting mix or make your own by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. My typical mix is just 1/2 compost and 1/2 fine bark shavings (often labeled as soil conditioner).

Watering

Before transplanting the seedlings, make sure the pots or containers have drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the pots with the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Gently remove the seedlings from their original container, being careful not to damage the roots. Place each seedling in its own pot, making sure the roots are spread out and covered with soil.

Watering

After potting up the hostas, water them thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets. Place the pots in a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight, as direct sunlight can be too harsh for young seedlings. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and monitor the plants for any signs of stress or disease.

Growing hostas from seeds can be an easy way to increase your hosta garden and save a little money in the process!