What is the Right Time to Transplant Hostas?

Mature hostas are easy to divide and transplant.

Hostas are an attractive plant for the home garden. They beautify shady parts of the garden with their lovely foliage in solid or variegated colors. There are more than 1,200 species of hosta, yet only one grows true from seed.

Identification

Propagate hostas by dividing the mature plants in your garden. Identify the mature plants by looking for ones that do not have new shoots in the middle. You can also divide hostas that have grown too large for their place in the garden, then transplant the cuttings.

Time Frame

The right time to transplant hostas is when no shoots are growing on the plant and the ground is warm. You can divide fast growing species in the spring after the last frost, with the exception of Sieboldianas and Tokudamas, as their roots do not grow until the plant has hardened off. Transplant all other hostas during the summer, preferably in August.

Warning

Transplant your hostas in late July if your region has early frosts. Transplants need 30 days to harden off to survive through winter weather.

Fun Fact

Hosta ventricosa is the only hosta species that grows true from seed.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Hostas
• Colorado State University Extension: Growing Hosta
• Ohio State University Extension: Hostas