The American Hosta Growers Association defines giant hosta as those that exceed 30 inches in height. There are several cultivars now that are in the 48 inch 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.
Hostas are some of the most popular perennials for shady gardens. With their wide range of leaf colors, shapes, and textures, hostas offer tons of versatility. But it’s their massive sizes that really make them stand out. Giant hostas with leaves spanning several feet create serious drama in the garden. While genetics determine their natural size potential, you can take steps to maximize growth. Follow these tips to get your hostas growing as huge as possible.
Choose Big Varieties
To grow giant hostas start by selecting varieties specifically bred to reach mammoth proportions. Some top jumbo cultivars include
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Empress Wu – Massive 4 foot tall clumps with leaves reaching 2 feet wide and blue-green color
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Sum and Substance – Chartreuse 4 foot spread with substantial 20 inch long leaves.
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Blue Angel – Vase-shaped 4 foot diameter mounds with 16 inch blue leaves.
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Krossa Regal – Compact 3 foot spread of intense blue 15 inch leaves.
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Liberty – Towering 30 inch height and 14 inch blue-green leaves edged in white.
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Seducer – Impressive 30 inch height and spread with heavily ruffled blue-green leaves.
Going with genetically large cultivars stacks the odds in your favor for achieving maximum hosta dimensions.
Give Hostas Nutrient-Rich Soil
Hostas thrive in soil amended with plenty of organic matter to provide nutrients and retain moisture. Before planting, work 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 8-12 inches of soil. After planting, mulch around hostas to conserve moisture and feed plants as the mulch decomposes. Situate hostas in naturally moist garden areas for optimal growth.
Space Hostas Generously
Hostas need adequate room to reach mature sizes without overcrowding. Consult specific cultivar spacing needs and adjust accordingly. Generally allow at least 2-3 feet between smaller hostas and 4 feet or more for giant varieties. They’ll quickly fill the space.
Water Hostas Regularly
Hostas require consistently moist soil, especially when young and actively growing. Water at the base about 1 inch per week, adjusting for rainfall. Install irrigation in hot climates to maintain optimal soil moisture. Proper water is crucial for hostas to achieve full grandeur.
Fertilize with Nitrogen
Hostas thrive with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote lush foliage growth. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring following label rates. Also side dress around plants with blood meal or a high nitrogen synthetic fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
Give Hostas the Right Sun Exposure
Most hostas grow best in part shade, though some tolerate more sun. Variegated and gold varieties often thrive in about half sun. Adjust sunlight for each variety to maximize growth. Monitor for leaf scorch and increase water if hostas get too much sun.
Divide Overcrowded Hostas
If hosta clumps exceed available space and leaves are smaller, it’s time to divide the plant. In early spring, carefully dig up and divide, discarding woody centers. Replant divisions with 3-5 eyes or shoots each to rejuvenate growth. This prevents overcrowding.
Control Snail and Slug Pests
Snails and slugs feast on hosta leaves, causing damage that stunts growth. Apply organic baits or traps regularly to control infestations. Remove any heavily infested leaves to promote new growth. Keep mulch away from crowns, as it harbors pests. Healthy, vigorous hostas better withstand pest damage.
Give Hostas More Space Over Time
Even small hosta varieties can surpass expectations and grow quite large given ideal conditions. Plan for future growth by spacing generously when first planting. Giant hostas may eventually need up to 6 feet or more between plants as they mature over several years.
Grow Hostas in Containers
If your garden lacks space for giant hostas, grow them in large containers. Use a potting mix amended with extra organic matter for moisture retention. Situate containers in part shade near a water source. Feed with slow release fertilizer and water regularly to support sizeable container hostas.
Stake Giant Leaves
Giant hosta varieties with substantial leaves prone to flopping over can be staked. Insert small stakes around the plant and gently tie up leaves for support. Use soft ties or cloth to prevent damaging leaves. Remove stakes after leaves unfurl to hold themselves up.
Use Hostas as Specimen Plants
Giant hostas make perfect specimen plants. Allow them to stand alone in prime spots as focal points. Surround with lower growing plants or mulch so the hostas take center stage. Bold colors and massive textures give specimen hostas serious visual impact.
Grow Hostas for Cutting Gardens
Many hosta flowers make excellent cut flowers with long vase life. Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Variegated and blue hostas offer colorful foliage accents in bouquets too. Using hostas for cutting encourages vigorous growth and larger plants.
Propagate Hostas by Division
Mature, overgrown hostas can be propagated by division in early spring. Use a shovel to cut the plant into several pieces, each with plenty of roots and growth buds. Replant divisions elsewhere to multiply your hostas. Dividing stimulates growth of both the new divisions and original plant.
Remove Flowers to Promote Growth
Some gardeners recommend removing hosta flowers entirely as they form to direct more energy into foliage growth. Cut flowers at the base as they appear. Removing flowers may boost leaf expansion, especially on younger plants. It’s optional and mainly aesthetic.
With the right techniques, even small hosta varieties can grow surprisingly jumbo in size. And giant hostas will reach their full fabulous grandeur when given ideal conditions. A little extra care goes a long way toward getting the huge hosta plants you crave in your landscape.
How To Grow Beautiful Hostas – Tips and Videos
The American Hosta Growers Association defines giant hosta as those that exceed 30 inches in height. There are several cultivars now that are in the 48 inch 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.
How You Can Optimize The Growing Conditions For GIANT Hosta
I like to use the analogy of comparing the needs of mice vs. elephants to the needs of miniature hosta vs. giant hosta.
On a small amount of food and water, mice can reach maturity in a matter of months.Compare that to an elephant. An elephant takes huge amounts of food and water to reach maturity over 15 to 20 years!
With good conditions the giant hosta will reach maturity in 5 to 6 years.
The optimal light for hostas as a general rule is:
- dark greens and blues in less sun
- yellows in more sun
- variegated generally in mixed light
The ideal lighting is tree cover that has the hosta in and out of the sun as the sun travels through the sky.
Availability of water to the giant hostas is a very important factor. Most hostas receive about 60 inches of rainfall annually in their native habitat of East Asia.
When water is withheld, the hostas will stop growth. It will not be able to store as much food in the crown, which will then reduce the size of the plant the following spring.
Location, location, location is the largest factor in determining available water. If you have been gardening in the same location for several years you know where the moist spots are.
Moist areas are the ideal spot for the giant hostas. We’re not talking about standing water that has no oxygen in the soil. The best spot has soil that is likely to still be moist in the hot summer months.
SECRETS to Growing Huge Hosta | QUICKLY
FAQ
How to make hostas huge?
Feeding — Test your soil and see what the soil is lacking — add as recommended. Hosta plants like to be fed and adding blood meal fertilizer to the soil on top of your traditional organic fertilizer amendments surrounding the plant will give it extra nitrogen. This nitrogen will help the leaves get and stay larger.
How can I increase my hosta growth?
Hostas do not like to have wet feet. Amending soil with organic compost when planting, and again each spring will help nourish the plants and improve the soil texture. Tips for siting hostas in your garden: Choose a site with morning sun, offering enough light for the foliage and flowers to develop.
How long does it take for hostas to get big?
Vigorous growing hostas can reach mature sizes in three to five years. Giant and slower growing hostas can take a little longer. I am so pleased with how well they’re doing. Unlike many perennials, which must be lifted and divided every few years, hostas are happy to grow in place without much interference.
What is the best fertilizer for hosta plants?
An organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or processed chicken manure is ideal.
How to grow giant hostas?
To grow giant hostas you will need to start with good soil. Fluffy, deep, and rich soil full of nutrients will determine how large your hosta will be. The better the soil, the healthier the root system and plant will be. Hostas have lots of delicate little feeder roots that spread out so they do not like hard, compact soil.
How do you grow a hosta plant?
Take a large hosta, divide and spread the smaller plants out in the area. Planting more of the same hosta variety will give you faster results because dividing a large plant and spreading it out will fill the area faster than waiting for less but larger plants to fill the area in. 8. Routinely Clean Around Your Hostas
Should you divide Hosta plants?
Don’t Divide Hostas to Make Them Grow Bigger Dividing your hosta plants means you’ll end up with smaller plants than you originally had. If you want them to grow bigger, leave them be and give them optimal growing conditions. They should have enough water and a mix of shade and sun to take off. 7. Divide the Plants to Make Them Fuller
How long does it take a hosta to grow?
By nature, hostas grow rapidly, and they can take between two and four years to grow to their full potential. The goal when you plant them is to give them enough room to spread out when you first plant them. Remember, some species can spread up to three times as wide as they grow tall. 2. Strike a Balance Between Shade and Sun
Can Epsom salt make hostas grow bigger?
Use Epsom Salt To Make Hostas Grow Bigger Epsom salt is a natural mineral compound consisting of magnesium and sulfate, known for its effectiveness in promoting plant health. It can make hostas grow bigger while improving soil structure and controlling pests.
How do I increase the size of my Hosta?
Mulch also has a number of other benefits that also help to increase the size of the hosta. The best mulch is organic matter. You can use compost which, among other things, will also provide the plants with organic nutrition. Pine bark, pine straw, or wood chips also work well.