Hosta Diamond Tiara

Hostas are planted in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, rich, humus-bearing, loose soil, preferably neutral to acidic (at least poor in limestone), and moist to wet throughout the year. Plant them in partial shade or dappled shade, and in a sheltered location away from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole of 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix half compost with crumbled soil, partially fill the hole, and place your plant in its root ball so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. The addition of a base fertiliser (dehydrated blood, horn powder) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without the risk of burning. Make sure to position the collar well above ground level. Firm the soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, you will need to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate the establishment of your plant. Also, water regularly in case of a dry summer.

With their common preference for humid places, slugs and snails are never far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, which is less appetising for slugs, these plants still need protection from gastropods. Protect your Hostas by surrounding them with ferramol-based granules (approved in Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, mulch, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are the gardener's best allies in the fight against gastropods, as unlike chickens, they do not till the soil and do not attack the young plants' green shoots. Finally, some plants have a repulsive odor for slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.