Updated May 14, 2008

Water

Water is important for optimal growth!  Five gallons per week can be added per plant, when there is no rainfall  during the months of May, June, July, August, and September, especially the first year or two after planting. A minimum of an inch of water per week is recommended, and can come from rain or hand watering. In general, a hosta’s greatest growth occurs when the minimum recommended water rate is exceeded. Watering hostas on a regular basis early in the day is highly recommended. A deep watering will ensure good root development. Check your plants for leaf tip burning or leaf drooping. These are both signs of inadequate moisture.

 

Fertilizer

An occasional few tablespoons of slow release fertilizer with iron around each hosta in early spring or midsummer can prove to be quite rewarding.  Other options for fertilizer are liquid or granular.  Follow the directions carefully for each fertilizer. Be careful not to apply granular fertilizer on top of the new growth, eyes, or leaves of the plant. All fertilizer applications should be discontinued by the first week in August to allow the plant to harden off  for its winter sleep. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20  is recommended for hostas with applications in early April, late May or just as the second set of leaves are starting to open, and mid July.

 Liquid fertilizer is used for both soil and foliar application. It can be applied every 7 to 10 days.

It is not necessary to fertilize if your soil has necessary nutrients. In this case, an addition of compost once a year is sufficient.