Hosta plants are a popular choice for gardeners, as they are hardy and easy to care for. To ensure that your hosta plants stay healthy and thriving, it is important to divide them regularly. Dividing hosta plants can be done in a few different ways, depending on the size of the plant and the desired outcome.
When dividing hosta plants, you should focus on the location of the divisions and choose methods that allow for the greatest growth.
The best way to divide hosta plants is by carefully digging up the root ball and dividing it into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. This will help promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding of the plant. Additionally, dividing your hostas in this way will give you more plants to spread around your garden!
But how many times can you divide that plant?
Count the buds as eyes or just buds. If you look at your hosta in April there will be little fat buds as big as your little finger point, or as big as your thumb, depending on the size of the plant.
When those are just breaking through the soil, dig the whole plant, take a hose, and rinse out all of the dirt and mulch that has grown around it. Then with a sharp knife, divide it down into each big fat bud. Try to cut so you get some root on the bottom of it. You can take a more mature plant into 15, 20, or even more divisions.
You also could just simply dig the plant, cut into it with a sharp spade or hand knife, and cut it down in two different ways. That will make four plants out of it. You can be a little bit more careless with cutting the buds and roots if you’re clumping them.
While this may seem like a lot of work, especially if your hosta has already been out for a few years, it is worth it! This will help to make sure that your plants stay healthy and happy throughout the growing season.
A big thanks to Fred Hower, from Plant Talk Radio. www.planttalkradio.com