My love for Hosta plants began when we moved into our home. There were Hostas that lined a rock wall in our side yard and my Mom began to tell me that they’re easy to split and transplant, they like shade, and they’re really hardy.
Well that sold me. Something I could split, transplant and not kill. That is a win!
I have been splitting and translating those same Hosta for 9 years now and they are thriving!
It is such a cost efficient way to add more to your garden, you could even swap them with friends for different varieties!
How to Split and Transplant Hosta
You can split and transplant Hosta at anytime of the year, the easiest is the Spring when they are in their pip stage. But the best is in the fall when the ground is still warm. You can even transplant in the summer just keep them watered.
Splitting and Transplanting Hosta in the Spring
Transplanting them in their Pip stage is my favorite because they’re so easy to maneuver. No leaves or long stems to deal with. You can see exactly where you are dividing.
- When the pips are about 1-2″ long and the frost is over, figure out how many splits you would like to make in the bunch.
- If you are just transplanting the whole plant, dig around and lift it right out.
- If you are splitting some off and leaving the rest, I suggest taking your clean shovel and going right down the middle.
- Then dig around that same piece.
- Once you can lift it out of the soil, you can divide the clump multiple times simply with your hands or you can easily slice through the roots with a serrated knife.
- Plant your new Hosta in a pot or into their new shady home!
Splitting and Transplanting Hosta in the Summer and Fall
- Transplanting them in the Summer and Fall will be done the same way but you will need to be careful and try not to hurt the leaves and stems.
- Find where you want to divide and drive the shovel straight down.
- To make it easier you can loosely tie the stems toegether so you can see where you are dividing them.
- Dig around the divided section and lift up the ball of roots from your newly divided plant.
- As with above split them with your hands or a serrated knife.
- Plant and make sure you keep them well watered after transplanting.
In the Fall, they need about 4 weeks to recover before the ground freezes so late September should be around the last time to transplant them.
Once you start growing and splitting Hosta be careful because it will become an addiction! I love taking evening walks around my yard to see how the plants are doing. Does that make me old and boring? If it does that’s okay. I’m happy.
This is the first time I have planted Hosta in pots and will be leaving them in the posts over the winter. I am in Zone 5b and will update this post next year on how they survive the winter in pots!
