How to Transplant Hostas: A Comprehensive Guide
When to Transplant Hostas
The optimal time to transplant hostas is in the fall, when air temperatures are cool and soil temperatures remain warm. This gives the plants ample time to recover and adjust to their new home before the ground freezes.
Spring is the second-best time to transplant hostas, as the new shoots are just beginning to emerge. However, there are some risks associated with spring transplanting, such as damage to unfurled leaves and the potential for heat stress in the summer.
Avoid transplanting hostas in the summer, as they are more susceptible to stress from high temperatures and lack of moisture.
How to Choose a Transplant Site
When selecting a new location for your hosta, choose a spot with soil that is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. You can test the soil with a soil test kit to determine if you need to add compost or other amendments to improve the soil quality.
The new location should also receive plenty of indirect sunlight. Hostas can tolerate some shade, but they will not thrive in full shade or in areas that receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
Preparing the New Planting Hole
Before digging up the hosta, prepare the new planting hole. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Add a few shovels of compost or leaf mold to the hole, but avoid over-amending the soil.
Digging Up the Hosta
Choose a cloudy day after it has rained or water the plant thoroughly to make digging easier.
Insert your spade straight down around the plant, making a ring about 10 inches from the base of the plant. Next, angle your spade toward the plant and carefully begin to pry it upwards.
Once you have loosened the soil around the root ball, lift the plant from the hole and knock off as much soil as you can. Try to keep some of the soil around the root ball to help the transition of the plant.
Dividing the Hosta
If the hosta is mature and quite large, you may want to divide it into smaller plants. Simply use your spade to divide the plant into manageable pieces. Save the pieces of hosta you plan to transplant and gift extra plants to friends and family.
Transplanting the Hosta
Place the hosta in its new location, making sure the crown is level with the soil surface. Then backfill the hole with the soil you had removed from the planting hole, and tamp down to remove air pockets and ensure good soil to root contact.
Mulching the Hosta
Spread a two- to three-inch layer of mulch around the planting area to maintain soil moisture and reduce weeds. Be careful that the mulch does not touch the plant stems.
After Transplanting
Water the hosta thoroughly after transplanting. Continue to irrigate when natural rainfall is not sufficient.
You will know after one growing season whether or not you provided enough care for your newly transplanted hosta. Neglected plants will return with fewer shoots in the next growing season, while well-maintained plants will resume normal growth habits.
Tips for Transplanting Hostas
- Choose a cloudy day or water the plant thoroughly before digging it up.
- Dig a wide hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Avoid damaging the roots when digging up the plant.
- If the plant is large, divide it into smaller pieces.
- Plant the hosta at the same depth as it was growing in its previous location.
- Water the plant thoroughly after transplanting and continue to irrigate when necessary.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
By following these tips, you can successfully transplant your hostas and enjoy them in their new location for years to come.
