Optimise Growing Conditions For Giant Hostas
- John Plant
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
What do fishermen and growers of giant Hostas have in common? The answer is photographs of their prize.
Growing giant Hostas could be likened to fishermen. When they catch a fish, it would ideally be a big one, and they must have a photo of their catch so you can see just how big it is.
People growing Hostas are no different. To get the size of the Hosta into perspective, there are dozens of photos of giant Hostas across the internet, with an awful lot of them with children or adults with the Hosta, just to get scale.
We felt it was necessary to show you what we mean, so we have included some of these photos in the blog. Enjoy.
The American Hosta Growers Association defines giant Hosta as those that exceed 75cm in height. There are several cultivars now that are in the 120cm range.
The size GIANT Hostas can achieve in your garden is determined by the light exposure, the available water and the depth and quality of the soil.
All three factors need to be optimum to achieve maximum size. Anything less than this the giant Hosta may not reach its full potential. It would be a shame for this to happen.
Consider the analogy of comparing the needs of a mouse versus that of an elephant, to the needs of miniature or small Hostas to the needs of giant Hostas.
Giant Hostas will need an awful lot more food, water, light etc, to reach maturity in tip top condition.
The most important element is probably the soil conditions. Whilst Hostas are not fussy about their normal growing conditions, giving them the optimum conditions is always preferred.
The deeper & richer you soil is, the bigger your Hosta will be. Try to ensure that you have about 12” (30cm) depth of soil for planting. Any less than this is not optimal. Ensure before planting that your preparation for planting is good. Ensure that there is plenty of good well-rotted organic matter, mixed in with the soil to be planted in, with at least a 50:50 ratio.
The organic matter will give better water penetration and help retain moisture in the soil. It will help to nourish the Hostas. This part of the planting process is essential for growing great giant Hostas.
Remember, when planting your Hosta to add more compost and well-rotted organic matter to the hole. Water well once planted. My preference is to fill the hole with water before planting and let it drain before planting.
The addition of a slow-release fertiliser at this point is optional, and will do no harm.
Once watered, cover with a small layer of mulch such as bark, but keep away from the stems. Water regularly, about once a week, in normal UK weather conditions.
Sadly, we don’t all have the perfect spot to plant our Hostas, but we can make the best of it.
The general rule for optimal light requirements is that dark green and blue Hostas need less light, yellows need more sun, less shade, and variegated ones in dappled shade. An area such as tree cover is perfect where your Hostas get some shade and some light during the day.
A good idea before choosing what & where you are going to plant is to make a note of where the sun goes at what time of day.
Watering is very important!
The availability of water for giant Hostas is a very important factor. In their native habitat of east Asia, they would generally get about 250cm of rain. Bear this in mind when judging the UK weather and add a supplement if needed. The UK weather in a normal year would give adequate moisture, but occasionally you need to give you Hosta a helping hand.
In the main, if your Hostas are planted and are established, they need little help. However, if you do grow giant in containers, a lot more watering will be needed.
If water is scarce, it will hold back the growth of the Hosta. This will also reduce the uptake of nutrients. This will reduce the size of the crown when it starts to grow in the following spring.
Consider where the moist spots in the garden. If you have been there a while, you will know where they are.
Give your Giant Hostas optimum growing conditions, and they will reward you with a magnificent giant display. Any less than this and the display will be less impressive.
Give you giant Hostas what they need in order to be what we know they can be!
Did you spot the fishy Hosta?
If you want to overdose on Hosta Knowledge & discover all our past Hosta blogs click here
Shop for Hostas HERE
John Plant
Rewela Hostas
Comments