Choosing Voluntary Simplicity » Hosta

Do Hostas Seed Themselves?

Shirley — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:33:05 +0000

Reader question... "I have what I think is a hosta seedling growing in my garden, but it is not near my other two hostas. I have not planted any seeds. Is there any way that one of my hostas seeded itself? Can you tell me how I could positively identify whatever this is? I have never actually seen a hosta seedling, but this does look like a baby hosta (I think). My other question is, is this seedling worth saving?" --Laurie P.

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My Surprise Streaked Hosta Seedlings

Shirley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:39:25 +0000

Here is some pictorial proof that you don't always have to have seeds from streaked hostas to end up with streaky seedlings. These little streaked beauties grew from seeds I had collected from a number of hostas... but none of those hostas were visibly streaked. I have also had many seedlings with variegated edges and some center variegation... again from seeds from solid color hostas.

How I Divide A Hosta

Shirley — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:14:24 +0000

Reader question... "I have a hosta that has gotten very big and is developing an empty area in the center. My neighbor told me it needs dividing, but I don't know how to do it. Can you share how you divide your hostas? I am new to growing hostas and don't want to kill it with my inexperience." --Sheila T.

Hosta ‘June’ And Its Seedling

Shirley — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:51:57 +0000

My June hosta has produced only one seed so far that had what looked like a viable bump. I planted it in January 2006. The seed germinated quickly and the little seedling thrived, but...

Growing Hostas From Seed

Shirley — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:17:25 +0000

Not every hosta produces seed pods. Some hostas produce huge numbers of pods and seeds... others produce pods but very few seeds, and sometimes seeds are not viable and will not germinate. I have found that germination is often poor with purchased seeds, but the germination rate for seeds I collect from my own hostas is astonishingly high. Hosta seeds are ready to be harvested when the seeds have turned black, and for me, the best time to start seedlings is sometime in January. By the time I transplant them outside in late May, the seedlings will have a large, well-developed root system. Many will have already produced blossoms.

Hostas I Have Grown From Seed

Shirley — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:17:37 +0000

One of the things I like best about hostas is how easy it is to grow more hostas from seed. For the past several years I have been collecting seed each fall and growing seedlings under lights through the winter. By spring I have good-sized hostas that are as beautiful as any hostas I could buy, and each has amazingly different characteristics.