Planting Hosta Bulbs: How To Plant Bare-Root Hostas in Spring or Fall

Where To Plant Hostas In The Landscape

Hostas grow best in the shade. They generally thrive in partial shade, but can also be grown in full shade or even in partial sun. Hostas can struggle in full sun, and are generally reserved for shady spots in the garden landscape. Different varieties/cultivars of hosta differ in their sunlight requirements and tolerances.

Plant your bare root hostas in soil that drains well. Look for an area with sandy loam soil if possible, and try to avoid planting hostas in areas where water pools, indicating poor drainage. If the soil doesn’t drain well, hostas may be planted in a garden bed that’s slightly raised up above the surrounding area, allowing for drainage. For hostas planted in pots, use a well-draining potting soil and look for a planter that includes a drainage hole.

Space bare root hosta bulbs about a foot apart when planting more than one. The optimal spacing depends on the design of the garden and on the variety of hosta, as some hostas grow much larger than others. Research the mature size of your Hosta before choosing a planting site or container.

What Are Bare Root Hosta Plants?

Bare root hosta plants are dormant hosta plants that have had the soil washed away from the roots. This leaves only the plant – the roots, the crown, and the little stem buds. Bare root hostas are lighter and cleaner to ship than plants that are potted up in soil, and they also have a reduced chance of transmitting soil-borne diseases. Bare root hostas are also often much more affordable to purchase than plants that are potted up and sold while the leaves are actively growing.

Hosta bulbs are not true plant”bulbs”, in the sense that they don’t have true bulb protective covering (like a tulip or a daffodil bulb). Because they lack this coating, they can dry out easily, and can transplant more easily into the soil if soaked for an hour or two before planting. But even though hosta bulbs are really just bare root plants, they are generally sold alongside flowering bulbs, as they can be packaged and sold in a similar manner.

Caring For Newly-Planted Hostas

The most important factor in caring for newly-planted hosta roots is to keep the soil moist (but not wet). This will allow the roots to access the water and the air they need to become established in their new home. Check the soil on a regular basis to see if it is moist. Most hostas can be watered once a week, but they might require more frequent watering in the weeks right after planting and during dry spells as they become established.

Adding a quality organic mulch like homemade compost can help keep the moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation and keeping the soil cool. The compost will also provide a gentle supply of nutrients to the hosta plants. Hostas rarely require concentrated fertilizer products, and generally grow just fine with an annual application of compost on top of the soil above their roots.

Other Recent Posts

link to How To Grow Sweet Potatoes: A Step-By-Step Guide