When is the best time to divide hostas?
When is the best time to divide hostas?
Spring is the best time to divide hostas. Dig up the entire clump as soon as the leaves begin to emerge. (The emerging leaves are bullet-shaped and are often referred to as “points” or “noses.”) Carefully divide the clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have at least 2 or 3 points (leaves) and a good portion of the crown and root system. Replant immediately.
While spring is the best time to divide hostas, plants can be divided anytime from spring to late summer. Hostas divided in late summer should be mulched with several inches of straw, pine needles, or other materials in late fall. Mulching helps prevent repeated freezing and thawing of the soil during the winter months that could heave late summer divisions up out of the soil and damage or destroy them.
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