How to Germinate Hosta Seeds

The hosta, sometimes called the Plaintain Lily, is a herbaceous perennial plant, native to China and Japan. Cultivated as a ground cover, it is shade-tolerant and generally disease free. The leaves of the hosta are prized by growers for their beautiful shades of blue, green, gold and yellow. The plant blooms in the summer with flowers that are similar to the lily, in shades of lavender and white. Growing hosta seed is as simple as growing the plant; give it lots of moisture and a little care and you will have a lovely plant for the garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vermiculite, coarse grade
• Perlite, coarse grade
• Peat moss
• Greenhouse flat
• Plastic bag
• Plastic misting bottle

1. Mix equal parts of the vermiculite, perlite and peat moss. Pour the mixture into the flat.

2. Sprinkle the hosta seeds thickly on top of the soil.

3. Mist the entire surface of the flat with water until it is thoroughly soaked.

4. Place the flat inside the plastic bag and seal the bag. Place the bagged flat in a dark area where temperatures remain between 60 and 70 degrees. The cooler temperature will hasten germination.

5. When the seeds begin to sprout, remove the bag and place the flat under fluorescent lights. Plants can be transplanted after the first leaves have fully developed.

Tips & Warnings

• Before planting your hosta in the garden, move the flat outside in a shady spot for two or three hours every day for four days.

References

• American Hosta Society

Resources

• Perfect Perennials