Yes, you’re free to grow hosta plants from seed with a few basic supplies.
Carson Downing
1.
Each seed pod contains many hosta seeds.
Credit:Carson Downing
The seed pods dry completely and burst open in a few weeks to reveal tiny black seeds.
Gently scrape the seeds out of the pods.
Store the seeds in a cool, dry, dark spot until you are ready to plant.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Gather Your Supplies
To start hosta from seed, use fresh potting mix.
A specially formulatedseed starting mixis a great choice.
Hosta seeds can be started in a variety of containersfrom seed-starting trays to plastic drink cups.
Good drainage is key to any seed-starting container.
If your container doesnt have drainage holes in the bottom, add several holes so water can escape freely.
Finally, light is essential for growing healthy hosta seedlings.
A south-facing window can provide ample light for a small number of plants.
For more consistent light,invest in a grow light.
Plant Seeds
Late winter is the best time to plant hosta seeds.
Before planting seeds, thoroughly moisten the potting mix.
The mix should clump together when you squeeze a handful of it.
Scatter theseeds on top of the moistened mixand cover them with about 1/8-inch of mix.
Cover the container with plastic wrap to increase the humidity around the newly planted seeds.
Light isnt necessary until the seeds germinate and the first leaves appear.
Give Seedlings Water and Light
Shortly after the first leaves appear, remove the plastic wrap.
Move the seedlings to a bright location.
Water the plants as neededusing a watering canwith a sprinkle-throw in head.
Aim to keep the soilless potting mix evenly moist.
Combat fungal diseases and strengthen seedlings with a tabletop fan.
Position the fan near the plants.
execute the fan on the lowest setting for a couple of hours daily.
Transplant into Pots
When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, transplant them into individual growing containers.
Clean, recycled plastic garden pots work well.
Continue growing seedlings under bright light until they are about 6 inches tall and have several leaves.
Place the plants in a shady location with some wind protection.
Move the plants inside at night.
Transplant into the Garden
Hosta seedlings areready to transplantinto the garden when they are several inches tall.
Be sure toplant seedlings outside by early fallso they can develop a strong root system before winter weather arrives.
Cover outdoor seedling hostas with straw in late fall for extra protection.
Uncover the plants in early spring.
Hostas, like all perennials, grow slowly at first.
At the end of the first growing season, plants will be about 8 inches tall and wide.
They will grow well in the second year, expanding in height and width.
Hostas started from seed reach maturity in about four years.
When grown in ideal conditions, hostas have been known to live up to 30 years.
Hostas are long-lived perennials inZones 3-9.
They enter dormancy in winter, and the leaves die back to the ground in cold areas.
When the weather warms in spring, the foliage re-emerges.
