🌿 Hosta: Growing Guide
Hosta (Hosta fortunei) grows best in shade with moderate watering, and does well at −35 to 28 °C (−31 to 82 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Hosta fortunei |
|---|---|
| Category | Shade-loving Plants |
| Sunlight | Shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −35 to 28 °C (−31 to 82 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Loves moisture and shade.
Growing tips
King of the shade! Giant variegated leaves. Halcyon and Sum & Substance.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Hosta: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Hosta: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Loves moisture and shade.
Hosta: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 50 cm (20 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Hosta: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Hosta: which plants grow well with it?
Ferns, Aquilegia.
Hosta: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Slugs, Snails.
Plan your garden
Add Hosta to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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