NewsHostas are a lovely leafy plant with many different colors of green on their leaves. Native to northeast Asia, this plant is placed in the “easy to care for” category. Hostas thrive in USDA zones 3-8. It does not need much fertilizer; however, if your soil is not in good shape or the plant is not thriving you may need to feed the plant. Good soil and plenty of water are equally as vital as fertilizer for hosta health.
Fresh hostas planted in the spring will need a decent beginning fertilizer to help the roots develop. A gradual release 10-10-10 fertilizer used in the spring is excellent for established hostas. Fertilizing is not required in the autumn and winter since the plant stays dormant.
How to Fertilize Hostas
Hostas grow best in neutral soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.6. If your area has poor soil, you can supplement it yearly with compost. This will add to the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus levels which are important for garden rich soil. The use of organic debris also aids in drainage.
In the spring, an application of a slow release fertilizer with newly planted hostas is recommended. Once established, apply a 10-10-10 granular fertilizer around the plant’s base as it emerges. When it comes to fertilizing hostas, less is more. Excess nitrogen may cause the leaves to darken or curl.
If you are worried about the condition of your soil, consider getting a soil testing kit.
Best Time To Fertilize Hostas
Hostas are one of the most low-maintenance plants. All they truly require is to be planted in wet, compost-rich soil in a shaded location. Feed your hosta in the spring as the leaves begin to emerge from the ground to guarantee beautiful green foliage. Fertilize it every four weeks for the maximum development. Feed the hostas only in the middle to late summer. This might encourage new growth to emerge, which can be easily harmed by the impending cold.
Adding compost to the soil on a yearly basis is always a good idea. It improves soil quality and assists with drainage.
Best Fertilizer For Hostas
A delayed release NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer is the most effective hosta plant food. These three figures represent the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the fertilizer. Slow release fertilizers feed the plant each time it rains or the plant is watered. Apply this fertilizer in the spring before the leaves grow, as the granular can burn the leaves.
You may use a regular release fertilizer, but keep an eye on the nitrogen levels. Too much nitrogen applied too quickly might cause the leaves to curl or become brown. Hostas flourish on soil that is rich in compost. It is more vital to have good soil than to use fertilizer. Applying a solution like Miracle Grow may feed your hosta rapidly and make it look excellent for a short period of time. Nevertheless, Miracle Grow does not increase soil health.
Hosta Fertilizing Tips
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Feed in the spring as leaves pop out of the ground
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Use a 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer
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Rich healthy soil is important
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Do not over fertilize
Warnings
-When working with chemical fertilizers, always use protective gloves and a face mask.
-Follow all instructions and storage recommendations on the fertilizer packaging..
Related Questions
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Is Miracle Grow good for hostas?
Hostas need a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the growth season. A month after planting, feed them with Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food, making sure to follow the directions on the label. This will last your hostas up to three months.
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What fertilizer should I use for hostas?
Consider retesting the soil every 3 to 5 years for established hosta plants. In lieu of soil testing, choosing a 10-10-10 fertilizer for hostas is a safe bet. Unless soil testing reveal a nitrogen deficit, it’s best to avoid applying too much high nitrogen fertilizer on hostas.
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What does Epsom salt do for hostas?
Application of Epsom salt in hostas reduces the stunted growth, makes their leaves greener and thicker as it boosts chlorophyll levels. It also promotes bushier plant development as well as tolerance to diseases and pests.
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How do you make hostas thrive?
To achieve maximum growth potential, Hostas need soil that’s rich in organic matter, regular water (at least an inch of water every week), and the right amount of sunlight for the specific variety. If any of these components is absent, your Hostas will develop slowly and will not grow as big.