Hostas are shade-loving plants; caring for and maintaining these perennials is easy. How fast does hosta grow depends on several factors, such as the variety of the Hosta you want to grow and the care you provide. But, whichever the variety is, during the first year of growth hostas just settle down toward growth, later in the next year the proper growth begins. After that, you can witness one to two feet per year of growth of your Hosta.
There are three types of hostas: fast, moderate, and slow, but these plants usually grow anywhere within three to seven years. If you are also a plant lover and want to grow Hosta in your garden to increase its beauty with these little plants, read this guide to explore all the details about Hosta’s growth. So let’s start!
What Is Hosta Growth Rate
The hardiness zone 3 and 9 are perfect for the growth of the Hosta. But remember that all hostas don’t have equal requirements. However, once you narrow down a type of hostas that suits the hardiness zone of your region, then you may need to decide whether you want to plant a slow, moderate, or fast-growing plant.
It is important to know that the growth rate of Hosta determines when it reaches maturity after five to six years. The growth rate does not depend on the number of leaves added yearly. It is determined by the flowers produced within the clump. Let’s look at the following three groups to determine the growth rate of the hostas:
1. Slow
The slow-growing variety of Hosta takes five to seven years to become mature. It seems a long time! But the best part is that you will enjoy all the stages of your Hosta during its growth. Usually, slow-growing hostas remain small in size. Examples of slow-growing Hosta are cherry tomatoes, dancing stars, and rhino hide.
2. Moderate
The varieties of moderate-growing hostas are more than 2,000. So it is good to say that most hostas fall into the moderately growing hostas group. These moderate growing hostas take six years to become mature. Moderate growing hostas include first frost, stained glass, France, and more.
3. Fast
Usually, fast-growing hostas become mature within three to five years. They are the perfect choice for boundaries along the pathways. Examples of fast-growing hostas are Island Breeze, Vulcan, and a royal wedding.
How to Make Hosta Grow Faster
How fast does Hosta grow? Here are some factors that may help you to grow Hosta faster:
Opt for Fast Varieties
Hostas come in different varieties, so you have too many options. It is good to go for fast-growing hostas. Most of these species can grow about six feet in diameter and up to 30 in height. The best thing is that they will reach maturity within three to five years.
Give Them Space
Hostas require space to flourish, so provide them enough space to establish a strong root system and better growth. Proper space allows the roots to expand and avoid crowding, which helps collect nutrients and water from the soil. The best way to maintain the space between plants is to grow them at least away about five feet.
Enrich the Soil
Good soil is one of the most important needs of hostas to fulfill the nutrient requirements. The soil with more nutrients can help the plant to grow faster. That’s why it is important to prepare the soil before planting by mixing some organic matter and fertilizers.
You may also need to pay attention to the soil’s pH level, which should remain neutral to slightly acidic. Don’t use non-organic fertilizers, as they can reduce soil quality.
Water Them Consistently
Hostas need low maintenance and can survive even if you don’t pay much attention. But like other plants, they require water consistently to survive and for their healthy growth. However, hostas are drought tolerant and prefer well-drained soil to thrive.
It means the soil must have some water with small air pockets; otherwise, it will not bloom if you don’t give them the water they need. Hostas that you may plant need regular watering, especially during their first two weeks. After this, you should water them once a week to avoid root rot.
They need water occasionally during summer or the hot season. After the first two years, they will become drought-tolerant. It is also good to water the plants early in the morning because it helps to prevent moisture from evaporating and helps the plants absorb water better.
Direct Sunlight
Although hostas can survive in the shade, they still need enough light to grow faster and generate energy. These plants’ foliage becomes thicker and healthier when exposed to bright light. However, direct morning sunlight is best compared to harsh afternoon sunlight. Remember that too much sunlight can burn the leaves, and the leaves of some varieties may turn blue. It can also lead the colors to fade and dull green shade.
Fertilizer
To help hostas grow faster, you may need to fertilize them as they add extra nutrients to the soil and nourish the plants. So it is important to provide a balanced amount of fertilization to hostas. First, nourish your plants in the spring, as it is their growing season. Then use fertilization after one month. And final fertilizer you may need to give is in the middle of August to boost your hostas’ growth rate.
Hosta Growth Stages
Hostas are well-known perennials that add beauty to your garden with their different growth stages throughout the year. A typical plant of Hosta undergoes the below-mentioned stages before reaching maturity:
1. Emerging Shoots
It is the early growing stage of hostas, and at this point, the plant starts to grow from the ground like small shoots. These early shoots are tightly curled and show different colors according to their variety. However, the colors may range from light green to deep purple.
2. Leaf Development
Once the shoots start to emerge and grow, the leaves will appear on the stems and show their special shape. Usually, hostas’ leaves are heart-shaped, lance-shaped, or large. Moreover, they have different colors like blue, yellow, green, or variegated patterns.
3. Early Growth
Once these plants establish their roots, they rapidly grow and expand their leaves. At this stage, these plants require frequent watering and proper fertilization, which helps them to grow better and remain healthy from their roots.
4. Blooming stage
Hostas show their blooming in mid-summer, and these tall stalks that a mature plant produces are known as scapes. These scapes produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers that can be lavender, purple, or white. However, not all hostas produce flowers. Some gardeners remove these stalks to promote foliage growth.
Growth Requirements for Hosta
Hostas are low-maintenance plants and can survive in harsh conditions. But if you want to learn how fast Hosta grows and which thing can boost its growth, you may need to consider some important growth requirements for Hosta:
Water
Hostas grow rapidly, and their growth rate needs more water throughout the season. They need water, especially during their growing years. But knowing that they love to thrive in well-drained soil is important. So, keep the soil moist to give them a better environment to survive.
Nutrients
Feeding your hostas with nutrients is important, and you can do it by providing it through organic fertilization. It is always good to use slow-release fertilizers from a quality brand. You can use liquid fertilizer at a 200 pm rate, especially during their growing season. However, adding compost and manure twice a year is more than sufficient. You can also top it off with fertilizers in the spring.
Introduce Worms
It is also a good idea to introduce worms in the soil as these worms help to make air pockets in the soil and also help you to increase the moisture level. Worms also help break down organic matter and boost growth by producing natural fertilizers. They help retain the loamy and rich nutrient soil, which is important for plant growth.
Use Epsom Salt
Sometimes hostas may not grow well, which may happen due to the lack of nutrients in the soil. You can encounter this deficiency by using Epsom salt. However, it is not a miracle cure, but it will do wonders and help to improve the health of the soil, which boosts the growth of the plants.
Routine Maintenance
Regular maintenance and care help to keep your Hosta healthy. However, if you notice that the leaves of your plants turn yellow, damage, or show any spots, trim them carefully so that they will not affect the entire plant. You can also cut the flowers that already bloom and dry. It will encourage the new growth of leaves and flowers and keep your hostas lush.
Prevent Disease and Pests
Hostas have a hardy nature, but snails and slugs can damage your plant if you are not careful about pest infestation. If you want to save your plant from pests, keeping the mulch away from the plant is always good. Provide proper care to your hostas plant before any pest infestation. It is important to maintain the proper quantity of mulch to prevent disease. Don’t overwater your plant; only a well-protected plant can prevent disease.
Clean Around Your Hostas
With time the material of dead plants and debris collect around your hostas. So it is good to check around the plant, remove unwanted things, and maintain your spot well. You can check and clean your plant after two weeks to keep your plant healthy and keep everything nice looking.
Soil for Your Hostas
Soil is one of the important things for the plants to survive. If the soil does not provide enough nutrients, you can improve its health by adding compost. It is good to add compost twice a year, or it may vary according to the nature of the soil.
Why My Hosta Not Growing
Several reasons are behind the unhealthy growth of the hostas plant including:
1. One of the main reasons is the poor soil. It is important to plant the hostas in neutral to acidic soil.
2. Another reason is insufficient light. If your plant doesn’t get proper light may affect its growth rate. You can help your plant grow well by keeping it in bright light. But don’t put it into harsh light as it can burn the leaves.
3. Improper watering habits also impact the growth of hostas. Overwatering and underwatering can cause issues. If the soil remains dry, then the roots may struggle to grow. So keep the soil moist to avoid any damage.
4. Planting too deep or shallow hostas may lead to unhealthy root system growth. It is good to plant it level with the soil surface or slightly below.
5. Extreme temperature is also an issue in which your Hosta does not grow well.
To avoid any problem, you may need to check your plant regularly and take immediate steps to resolve the issues.
Factors Affecting Hosta Growth
Usually, hostas are not prone to serious problems and are rarely affected by disease. However, your Hosta may face the following issues:
Holes in Leaves
When you notice holes in the leaves, it may happen due to the infestation of snails and slugs. To avoid the issue, keep the area around your plant free of debris, as it will discourage these destructive mollusks.
Shredded Leaves
If the pest infestation is severe, it may lead to severe damage and cause disease issues. You will see the effects in the form of shredded leaves. It is good to remove the affected leaves to prevent further damage.
Leaf Edges Burned
Another factor that can affect hostas’ growth is the burned leaf edges due to excessive sun exposure. Keep your plant moist during summer and in the shade if possible. Trim the leaves that may affect them badly.
Leaves Have Spots
If you notice the yellow spots on the leaves, it may also affect the growth rate. Remove the affected leaves and keep a reasonable distance between the plants to avoid the issue.
Final Verdict: Do Hosta Grow Fast
Hostas may be a great addition to your garden but may take three to seven years to mature. However, the plant’s growth rate may depend on several factors, such as variety, size, and species. Due to their growth rate, you can break down into three groups slow, moderate, and fast. If you want to enjoy the stages of their growth, you may need to provide them with proper care to prevent disease. Otherwise, hostas need less maintenance. Follow all the tips and tricks in this article and enjoy the vigorous development of your hostas!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Fast Do Hostas Grow from Seed?
Hosta’s growth rate is slow at first, but at the end of the first growing season, they may grow up to 8 inches tall and wide. When they enter their second growth season, they will expand their height and width. Usually, they become mature within three to seven years.
2. What Is the Lifespan of a Hosta Plant?
Hostas are low-maintenance plants, with little care, they may live up to 30 years. Mostly they thrive in the shade and require soil neutral to be slightly acidic—most of the hostas species like to remain in the shade.
3. Can Hostas Survive Without the Sun?
Hostas are shade tolerant plants, but at the same time, they may not thrive in deep shade. They need adequate sunlight to expose more vigorous colors. So it is good to keep them in the morning sun. Full sun or excessive sun exposure can burn the leaves.