But even though it’s easy to buy these plants at nurseries, there’s something special about growing them from seed.
Starting hosta seeds and learning more about seed starting can be hard, but it can also be very rewarding.
In my guide to growing hostas from seed, I’ll show you how to take a tiny seed and grow it into the full, leafy beauty that hostas are known for.
To learn more about growing hosta, check out my guide Hosta Care in Winter to Ensure Springtime Splendor.
Check out my guide How Long Does It Take for Seeds to Germinate to learn more about growing plants from seeds.
Hostas are plants that are native to northeast Asia. They are also known as Plantain Lilies or Lancet Plants. For many years, they have been popular in Western gardens.
Hostas are famous for their beautiful leaves, which can be any color from green to blue to yellow and even have patterns that change color.
Plus, they grow tall flower spikes with flowers that range in color from white to lavender to deep purple.
Some dwarf types may only grow a few inches tall, but larger types can get to be at least two to three feet tall and spread out in the same way.
Keep in mind that hosta plants may take a few years to grow to their full size and beauty after you plant their seeds.
Hostas thrive in shady conditions, which is often found in east facing and north east facing gardens.
In gardens, they are ideal for areas that receive partial to full shade. However, some varieties can tolerate a bit of morning sun.
Beyond their ornamental leaves, hostas also produce tubular flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
After flowering, hostas produce seed pods. These pods contain the hosta seeds, which can be harvested and sown to produce new plants.
Hostas are popular shade-loving perennials prized for their attractive foliage. While hostas are typically propagated by division, you can also grow hostas from seeds. However, direct sowing hosta seeds in the garden is often not very successful. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at why planting hosta seeds directly in the ground doesn’t always work and the best practices for starting hostas from seeds.
Why Direct Sowing Hosta Seeds Often Fails
Hosta seeds require very specific conditions to germinate successfully. They are quite small and delicate. When planted directly in the garden soil, hosta seeds can easily get washed away by rain or irrigation water. They can also get buried too deeply to properly emerge.
The biggest challenge with direct sowing hosta seeds outside is maintaining the right level of moisture. The top layer of soil outdoors dries out quickly. If the seeds dry out even once they will no longer be viable. On the other hand overly wet soil leads to rotting. It’s very difficult to keep the soil moisture just right for hosta seeds sown directly in the garden.
Hosta seeds need temperatures around 70-75°F to germinate well. Outdoors, soils may still be too cool when hosta seeds are ripe and ready to plant in late summer or fall. And sowing seeds in spring runs the risk of seeds rotting from overly wet soils.
For these reasons, the germination rate for hosta seeds planted right in the garden is quite low, often less than 10% It takes 3-5 years for hostas to mature to a size suitable for the landscape. With such a low success rate, planting seeds directly simply isn’t an efficient way to propagate hostas
Start Seeds Indoors for Better Results
You can significantly increase your success with hosta seeds by sprouting them indoors. Starting the seeds in a controlled environment allows you to provide the exact conditions seeds need to germinate and grow.
Here are some key tips for starting hosta seeds indoors:
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Use fresh seed starting mix – Use a sterile, soilless potting mix made specifically for starting seeds indoors. This will reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
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Plant in containers with drainage – Sow seeds in containers like cell packs or pots that have drainage holes. This prevents soggy soil.
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Cover seeds lightly – Hosta seeds need light to germinate but shouldn’t be planted too deeply. Cover with just 1/8 inch of seed starting mix.
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Keep soil moist – Water carefully to keep the seed starting mix evenly moist but not soaked. Consider using a seedling heat mat to maintain moisture.
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Provide ample light – As soon as seedlings emerge, give them 14-16 hours of light daily with grow lights or a sunny window.
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Transplant on time – Transplant seedlings into larger containers when the plants are about 2 inches tall to encourage strong growth.
Starting hosta seeds indoors gives you full control over the environment and results in germination rates of 80% or higher.
Timing for Planting Hosta Seeds
Hosta seeds only remain viable for a short time after ripening. To get the best germination, sow fresh seeds as soon as possible after collecting them. But the ideal planting time depends on whether you’re starting seeds indoors or direct sowing outdoors.
Indoor Seed Starting Schedule
For starting hosta seeds indoors, the best time to sow is late winter, about 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Here are some general indoor planting times based on your climate:
- Zones 3-5: Sow seeds February – March
- Zones 6-8: Sow seeds January – February
- Zones 9-11: Sow seeds December – January
This gives seedlings time to develop indoors before the weather is suitable for transplanting them outside in late spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Outdoor Planting Time
If you choose to direct sow hosta seeds in the garden, it’s best to plant them in fall. Seeds can be sown anytime between mid-October and late November depending on your location. The cool, moist conditions in fall help hosta seeds germinate well outdoors.
Spring planting is risky since seeds may rot if the soil stays too wet. But if sowing in fall isn’t possible, plant seeds outside as early as possible in spring. Just be prepared for lower germination rates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Hosta Seeds Indoors
Follow these steps for the best results growing hosta from seeds indoors:
1. Collect Fresh Seeds
The first step is gathering ripe hosta seeds:
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Allow hosta flowers to fade and form seed pods in summer.
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Harvest pods when they turn brown and start to split open.
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Dry pods further indoors, then remove seeds.
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Store seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
2. Prepare Seed Starting Containers
About 2 months before your last spring frost, fill containers with moistened seed starting mix. Terra cotta pots, plastic cell packs, or recycled containers like yogurt cups can be used. Make sure containers have drainage holes.
3. Sow Seeds
Plant hosta seeds just below the surface of the seed starting mix, about 1/8 inch deep. Gently water with a fine spray to settle the seeds without washing them away.
4. Maintain Moisture
Cover seeded containers with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to preserve moisture during germination. Check daily and spray with water as needed to keep seeds moist but not soaked.
5. Provide Light Once Germinated
In about 10-20 days, hosta seeds will begin to sprout. At this point, remove any coverings and provide ample light. Use grow lights or place containers in a sunny south-facing window.
6. Transplant Seedlings
When the young hostas reach 2 inches tall, carefully transplant into 3-4 inch pots filled with regular potting soil to support further growth. Fertilize lightly with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
7. Harden Off Seedlings
Over 7-10 days when the weather warms up, set pots outdoors for increasing periods to harden off plants before transplanting into the garden.
8. Transplant Outdoors
Once hardened off, transplant hosta seedlings into a prepared garden bed in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. Water well and mulch around transplants.
Direct Sowing Hosta Seeds Outdoors
While starting seeds indoors is ideal, you can sow hosta seeds directly in the garden in fall for a lower maintenance approach.
Timing
The best time is mid to late fall, October – November, depending on your climate. This gives seeds cool, moist conditions needed for the best possible germination rate when direct sowing.
Location
Select a site with organic rich soil and afternoon shade. Amend soil with compost or leaf mold to improve drainage.
Planting Method
Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep in rows or clusters. Space seeds about 6 inches apart. Gently water after planting. Consider using a cloche or mini hoop tunnel to protect seeds.
Care
Keep the soil moist but not soaked until seedlings emerge in spring. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Be prepared to protect young plants from frost and intense sun their first year.
Caring for Hosta Seedlings
Hostas grown from seed are slower growing than mature plants. But with proper care, even seedlings started indoors can develop into nice sized plants to transplant into the garden their second year. Here are some tips for caring for hosta seedlings:
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Grow seedlings in bright light but protect from hot midday sun
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Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Hostas dislike drying out.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
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Repot into larger containers to provide room for root growth.
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Protect from intense cold in winter by mulching heavily around seedlings.
With attentive care while plants are young, hostas grown from seed will establish well and grow into handsome additions to shaded garden beds.
Troubleshooting Problems With Hosta Seeds
Hosta seeds can be tricky to start successfully. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Seeds fail to germinate – Old, unviable seeds or drying out are likely causes. Always start with fresh seeds and keep seeds constantly moist.
Seedlings damping off – Fungal disease caused by overly wet soil and lack of air circulation. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Spindly, weak growth – Insufficient light is the culprit. Give seedlings more hours of direct sunlight or use grow lights.
Leaves sunburned or scorched – Introduce seedlings to direct sun gradually to harden off. Provide shade on the hottest days.
Failure to thrive outdoors – Transplant shock from improper hardening off or planting too early before soil has warmed up sufficiently.
Chewed leaves – Slugs and snails love to munch on emerging hosta leaves. Use organic baits or copper barriers to protect seedlings.
With the right care starting hosta from seed indoors, you can overcome these common challenges. The extra effort provides a low-cost way to add beautiful hostas to your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about growing hostas from seeds? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
How long do hosta seeds take to germinate?
Expect hosta seeds to sprout in 10-20 days after planting if kept warm and constantly moist. Seeds sown outdoors in fall can take much longer, up to 8 months.
Do hosta seeds need light to germinate?
No, hosta seeds germinate fine in darkness. But once they sprout, seedlings need ample light.
How big are hosta seeds?
Hosta seeds are quite small, about the size of a grain of pepper. Handle them carefully to avoid losing seeds while planting.
What season can you plant hosta seeds?
Late winter to early spring works best for starting seeds indoors. Outdoors, sow seeds in fall or as early in spring as possible.
Do hosta flowers produce viable seeds?
Most hostas will set viable seeds if allowed to flower and go to seed. However, some hybrids are sterile and won’t produce any seeds at all.
Will hosta seeds produce new varieties?
Hosta seeds produce unique seedlings, not replicas of the parent plant. Most will have plain green leaves. But a few may develop variegation or other interesting traits.
The Takeaway on Planting Hosta Seeds
Starting hostas from seeds takes more time and effort than growing them from divisions, but watching tiny seedlings grow into mature hostas can be very rewarding. For best results:
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Start seeds indoors late winter 8 weeks before your last frost
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Use fresh seeds and keep constantly moist
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Transplant seedlings to larger pots when 2 inches tall
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Gradually harden off seedlings before planting into garden beds
With the right care, you can have success growing hostas from seeds! Just be prepared for the process to take a few years. But the savings on buying plants makes it worthwhile for patient gardeners.
Planting Hostas from Seed
Proper sowing techniques increase the chances of successful germination and healthy growth.
Follow these guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your hosta seeds:
- For indoor planting, start putting your stratified seeds down about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This gives the seedlings plenty of time to grow before they are moved outside.
- If you live in a milder area and want to sow directly outside, wait until the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
- How Deep: Hosta seeds should be planted shallowly. A depth of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch is ideal. Hosta seeds need light to grow, so they shouldn’t be buried too deeply.
- Spacing: If you’re planting in trays, spread the seeds out lightly so that each seedling has room to grow. You can thin out the seedlings later if you plant them directly in pots or the ground.
- How to Water: To keep the soil moist without moving the seeds, use a fine mist or a watering can with a rose. To do this, you can use rainwater from a water well.
- Consistency: The soil should remain consistently moist, but not soggy. Every day, check the soil and water it as needed to keep it at the right level of moisture. Read my guide on How Often to Water Seedlings for more watering tips.
- Ideal Temperature: Hosta seeds grow best when the temperature is between 65°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C). If you’re starting seeds indoors, you might want to use a heat mat to keep the temperature stable.
- Avoid Fluctuations: Rapid temperature fluctuations can hinder germination. Ensure your seeds are in a stable environment.
- Indoor Planting: If you’re planting indoors, put your pots or trays somewhere bright. A windowsill facing south or grow lights can give seeds the light they need to sprout.
- Sowing outside: Hosta plants that are already grown love shade, but seeds need dappled sunlight to start growing. Choose a location that gets filtered sunlight.
- Emergence: If you take good care of the seeds, they should start to grow in two to four weeks. Remember, patience is key. Some might take longer, especially if the seeds werent stratified.
- True Leaves: When your seedlings get their first true leaves (not the first sprouts), it means they’re getting stronger and will soon be ready to be moved or thinned.
Taking Care of Hosta Seedlings
As soon as you see green shoots coming out of your hosta seeds, it’s time to make sure they grow and develop in a healthy way.
Young seedlings, while resilient, require specific care to ensure they mature into strong plants.
- Frequency: Young hosta seedlings prefer consistent moisture. When the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, water it. But be careful not to water too much, as that can cause root rot. Read my guide on How to Use Watering Globes for more watering tips.
- Method: A misting spray or a watering can with a fine nozzle can be used to gently water the seedlings without hurting them.
- Change: As the seedlings grow, they will need more light to keep them from getting leggy. Make sure they get at least 6 to 8 hours of indirect light every day.
- Grow Lights: If natural light isn’t enough, especially in the winter, you might want to use grow lights to make up the difference. Here are my favorite grow lights for starting seeds indoors:
- The goal of thinning is to get rid of competition for resources and support strong growth. Overcrowded seedlings can compete for light, water, and nutrients.
- Method: Carefully cut out the smaller or weaker seedlings to let the stronger ones grow. They should be cut off at soil level with scissors so as not to disturb the roots of nearby seedlings.
- When: Your seedlings are ready to be moved when they have at least two sets of true leaves and are big enough to handle.
- Potting Up: If you’re not ready to move them to the garden yet, you could “pot them up,” which means to move them to bigger pots. This gives the roots more room to grow and keeps them from getting squished.
- Nutrition: A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that is diluted to half the recommended strength is good for seedlings. Feed them every two to three weeks to make sure they get the food they need to grow.
- Over-fertilizing: Be cautious. If you fertilize too much, salt can build up in the soil and hurt the seedlings.
- Pests: Common pests like aphids, slugs, and snails should be avoided. Employ natural deterrents or insecticidal soaps if needed.
- Diseases: To avoid fungal diseases like damping off, make sure there is good air flow and keep the soil from getting too wet.
- Before you move your hostas outside, they need to get used to the weather. This is called “hardening off.” As part of a process called “hardening off,” the seedlings are slowly brought outside over the course of a week or two. This makes them stronger and lessens the effects of transplant shock.
To learn more about growing hostas, check out my guide Hosta Care in Winter to Ensure Springtime Splendor.
