The hostas, which come from Asia, are very long-lived, hardy and thrive in shady to half-shady places. They need the right nutrients for healthy growth. Information on fertilization can be found below.
When to fertilize hostas?
Especially in spring, hostas need additional nutrients in the form of fertilizer, because they now need a lot of energy because they have to sprout again from the roots. In principle, the question of “when” would already be answered with this, but here are a few brief explanations:
- Basic fertilizer application in early spring
- March ideal
- before new growth begins
- organic fertilizers proven
- provide needed nutrients and
- improve soil structure sustainably
- Use of long-term fertilizers such as compost or horn meal or shavings
- alternatively fertilizer already in autumn
- normally one fertilization per year is sufficient
- Fertilize container plantings before new growth
- if necessary, second fertilization in autumn
Various fertilizers can now be used to fertilize hostas. Below we have listed some commonly used organic fertilizers.
Notice: The stems of the leaves and flowers are not very stable in over-fertilized plants. They bend easily. However, over-fertilization is not possible when using organic fertilizers.
mature compost
Well-seasoned, mature compost is not only one of the best and most natural sources of additional nutrients for hostas. All the minerals and nutrients required by the plants are contained here. Compost ensures healthy and lush growth throughout the growing season. It should be used as follows:
- Addition in early spring
- before new growth
- just put it underground
- additional sustainable improvement of the soil structure
- if necessary, second dose in early summer
- two fertilizations per year are sufficient
Be careful, however, when working into the soil. The hostas form many underground densely branched rhizomes. These must not be damaged or even destroyed. Growth would then falter or, in the worst case, the plant would die.
Tip: A layer of mulch made of fallen leaves or bark mulch should be applied around the sweetheart lilies. This not only stores moisture, but also releases required nutrients such as nitrogen to the soil and at the same time serves as winter protection. It may then be possible to dispense with additional fertilization with compost or other fertilizer.
horn shavings
Horn shavings, or a finer form of it, horn meal, are made from the hooves of cattle. Mostly this fertilizer comes from Argentina. When buying, you should also make sure that the cattle were kept organically. This fertilizer can also be used when using compost, but can also be incorporated directly under a layer of mulch. The effect is as follows
Horn shavings are an ideal fertilizer because they provide important nutrients.
- required nitrogen is released
- also contain: sulphate, phosphate and potassium
- no over-fertilization possible
- has a long-term effect
- no influence on the pH value of the soil
Notice: Horn shavings or meal is an organic fertilizer with a long-term effect. The active ingredients contained are only released after a few weeks.
plant manure
Homemade manure or decoctions are also a good solution for supplying the hostas with additional nutrients. It is a kind of liquid fertilizer. However, it not only contains nutrients, but at the same time it can be used to combat pests such as aphids or fungal diseases. The hosta is thus strengthened without any further effort and can fight off viruses and bacteria better. Suitable for production
- Nettles, dandelion, horsetail, also goutweed
- Soak parts of plants or boil them briefly
- apply diluted with irrigation water
- Give every two to three weeks
Prepared liquid manure can be kept for a long time. They can be stored in a closed jar and eventually used until the fall.
Tip: A fertilizer application of compost or horn shavings in spring is sufficient, but you can also use plant manure from early summer to autumn to fertilize hostas.
guano fertilizer
We would also like to briefly mention this organic fertilizer. It comes from cliffs in areas where there is hardly any rainfall, such as Chile, Peru or the South Pacific. This is seabird droppings. It is available in the form of liquid fertilizer, sticks and granules. Its use can positively support growth after the winter. The ingredients and its effect are worth mentioning:
- Main nutrients contained 15% nitrogen, 30% phosphorus
- Versatile use in beds and tubs
- quickly soluble
- causes soil improvement
- good immediate and long-term fertilizer
Caution: When buying, be sure to pay attention to the origin. Many guano fertilizers are also commercially available, which consist of ordinary chicken manure or droppings from native seabirds. These are already recognizable by the price. They are cheaper.
Home remedy coffee grounds
Not to forget the old household remedy coffee grounds. In addition to azaleas and rhododendrons, hostas also love slightly acidic soil, preferably forest soil. Coffee grounds can be used here as a peat substitute. This allows water to be absorbed better and the surface of the earth stays moist for longer. Advantages are:
- contains a lot of nitrogen, phosphorus, copper, zinc, some potassium
- soil is upgraded
- no over-fertilization possible
- causes slight acidification of the soil
- easy incorporation into soil
Use of blue grain
This is a complete mineral fertilizer. Although it contains many of the nutrients necessary for the hosta, it is produced chemically. Some hobby gardeners swear by it, but for the sake of the environment you should think carefully about the use of it. Worth mentioning for blue grain are
- Nutrients contained: potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen
- shows quick effect
- even if there is a long-term undersupply of nutrients
However, when using blue grain for fertilization, one should always bear in mind that an overdose can quickly occur. Therefore, it is important to always follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations when administering. It should never be dosed higher. Furthermore, the leaves must not come into contact with this fertilizer. They can burn easily.
Tip: The short-term use of blue grain would make sense if the hostas need nutrients quickly, for example if there is a shortage or if other fertilizers such as compost or horn shavings are not available.