How to Properly Separate Hosta Plants
Hostas are popular shade-tolerant perennials that are easy to grow in many different climates. Known for their variations in leaf patterns, colors and textures, hostas are hardy and low maintenance. One of the best benefits of owning hostas is the ability to propagate hostas by dividing them, therefore producing more plants for the garden every year. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden gloves
- Long-handled round-point shovel
- Sharp serrated kitchen knife
- Bucket
- Short-handled garden spade
Instructions
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Separating Hostas
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1
Choose hostas that appear healthy (no brown or shriveled leaves). Hostas that have a bare area in the center of the plant are ideal for dividing. Do not separate hostas until after they are finished blooming and cut off any dead blooms with scissors before dividing.
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2
Divide hostas in the spring or late summer for the best root growth. Spring division is the easiest because the plants are more tender and have fewer leaves. While late summer also works, the plants are tougher and more difficult to split. In addition, hot days should be avoided since leaf burn can occur.
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3
Using the shovel, dig a circle at least 4 inches out all the way around the hosta. Carefully loosen the roots from the soil, using a garden spade when needed to gently break roots. Remove the entire hosta clump from the ground and place it in the bucket. Use fill dirt or potting soil to fill in the remaining hole.
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4
Wash the hosta roots gently in lukewarm or cool water in order to make it easier to see where to divide the clump. Look for natural divisions in the plant where there are small clumps of leaves and stems together. Using a sawing motion with the serrated knife, cut through the entire hosta clump, separating it into individual plants. Soak the new plants in water for at least 30 minutes before planting. Plant hostas within the hour in rich, organic soil for best results.
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