Q&A for How to Plant Hostas

Hostas don't usually need to be divided, even when they get big. If your plant is overgrown, I would recommend trimming the leaves back first. If you still want to divide it, do so in the spring or early fall. Here is a good article on dividing hostas: http://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/transplanting-hostas

There's no surefire way to stop deer from eating anything. But, there are a few things you can try. Get a deer/rabbit repellent from a garden center and thoroughly spray your plant with it. I have used one that contained putrefied egg solids and worked well. Respray as needed. You could also try putting up a fence, although that is more expensive and unsightly and deer may jump it. Either way, unless the deer are eating the hostas down to the ground, the plant should be able to grow new leaves and rejuvenate itself.

I plant mine under pines. Keep in mind you may have to provide them with extra water, though!

They will survive through the winter. As in most plants, they won't grow larger in the cold, though.

Hostas do not typically thrive in Florida, especially in the southern parts of the state. If you live around Jacksonville, you may have luck with growing hostas. But in the more southern parts of the state, there is generally too much sun for hostas. If you do want to try anyway, find a very shady spot for the plant, and give the plant lots of water.

Yes, hostas can be grown from seed. The plant produces seeds inside the pods that grow near the flowers. The pods are ready to be harvested when they turn brown. Collect the pods and place them in an open plastic bag to dry. When the pods dry out, they'll open up and you can collect the seeds. Place the seeds inside a damp towel and inside a sealed plastic bag. Store the seeds in a cool, dark place, and plant them in starter pods when they sprout.

Cutting the bloom will not prevent growth in a hosta. Some hostas grow quickly and need to be divided regularly. Others grow quite slowly. You may want to purchase small hostas that do not get too big.

It depends. Yellow and white hostas like more sun, blue hostas prefer more shade.

I bought 9 bare root hostas online and because I was going on a trip, I didn't have time to soak them before planting. They are all doing great, but I have made sure to give them extra water when I planted them.

It depends on the area. Zone 5 and warmer, April is just fine I think. Although too warm and they won't thrive either.

I use broken egg shells, or very fine gravel, the type used for potted house cacti.

This is not a good idea. Plant it in the ground like normal. If it gets too big, just dig it up and divide it. You can replant the other half somewhere else or give it away.

There are different schools of thought on this one. I personally hate liners after digging up massive amounts of it around my new house. They all had so many weeds that had grown their roots into the liner and were such a pain to remove compared to regular tilling of weeds. Mulching is so much healthier for the plants and the soil. The liners won't keep weeds out indefinitely, and when you have to deal with it, there is so much work. Mulching and weeding will require less work (but more frequently).

That is too late. You should plant them before the ground freezes for the first time so they have time to establish themselves before the freeze. Then cover them with leaves.

Yes, you can plant them with small rocks as mulch.

I amend my soil with coffee grounds, which is a natural snail/slug deterrent. Mind you it is not a killer, so your snails and slugs will just go elsewhere.

Early spring or fall are the best times to dig up and move perennials. You can also split your hostas at this time of year. It's easier for plants to recover from the shock of being moved in cooler weather. Give a good watering when you replant them.