There comes a time in the life of a Hosta when you need to consider whether it is ready for splitting or dividing.
Dividing or splitting them works great to keep the plant from spreading. But if you’re unfamiliar with Hostas, you’ll want to know when is best for dividing, how frequently you should be splitting the plant and more.
Should Hostas be Divided?
The simple answer is Yes! Extend the life of your Hostas by splitting.
By digging up and subsequently dividing your Hostas, you can propagate a successful, healthy plant into multiple plants. It allows you to propagate new plants. It is incredibly easy and it’s completely free.
You will know when it is time because the plant will become too crowded, and you might notice the centre of your clump not looking its best. To keep your Hosta at its healthiest, you should plan to divide the plant every 3-5 years. It doesn’t mean you should be dividing your plant every year.
Hostas spread to form large clumps over time and may outgrow the position in which they were initially planted. Dividing your Hostas can help the smaller Hostas from being overcrowded by the bigger ones. However, even the smaller, slower growing Hostas can spread, given time.
What You’ll Need to Divide Hostas
Hostas are easy to grow, tolerate a variety of soils and even take full to part shade. Their roots can vary in length, which will dictate how big of a tool you’ll need. Dig deep enough into the ground to remove the entire root clump. Depending on the size and root system of your plant. The dividing can be done by hand if the Hostas are small. If the Hostas are large or giant varieties or have been in the same spot for a few years, you may need more heavy-duty tools like a spade, or even a saw, to split the crown. Be sure the wear garden gloves and use proper safety protection that is used while gardening.
When to Divide Hostas
Hostas should be divided every three to five years, depending on the size and health of the plant.
Some say the best time to divide your Hostas is at the end of summer, around August or the start of September.
However, if you are not able to at this time, you can divide them at any time between spring and autumn.
Another school says best season to divide Hostas is in the spring because temperatures are cooler in and the foliage hasn’t developed yet, so plants won’t be water stressed. If you do decide to divide them in the spring, you should aim to do so right before the plants have fully developed, right as the Hosta eyes are growing up.
Watch the video for a visual guide on how to divide your Hostas
How to Divide Hostas?
Dig around the perimeter of the plant, then divide by hand or with a spade. Next replant sections with enough space for the plants to grow and mature in size. The rest can be used to populate other parts of the garden, or even to ingratiate yourself with friends & neighbours by giving them away.
Always aim to keep the smallest splits to at least 3 or 4 shoots.
Washing off the soil is unnecessary when splitting large Hostas. They can go back in as they are. Where you are making several smaller portions, it may well be a good idea to wash the roots, to establish a good, healthy root system before replanting or potting up.
When you replant the divided Hosta you want to pick a place where there is shade, low sunlight, and plenty of moisture. Your Hostas will do best in moist soil without direct sunlight. Keep them watered. You should aim to keep at least one quarter to a third of the main crown for the replant.
To learn more about Hostas, you may interested in reading : AI Generated Hosta Photographs, Watering and Feeding Your Hostas, What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Hostas?, Ways to Protect Your Hostas from Slugs and Snails and "Uncovering the Advantages of Bare Root Hostas:
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John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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