HOSTA TEMP.

[steve]

Greetings,
Since I live in Texas and wish to grow hosta, I'm heard that they require a minimum temp. of around 40 F. for 4-8 weeks? Is this true and where can I find this research data? Why do they need this temp? I would like very much to research hosta before I decide how to prepare a bed or whether to plant in pots? Is there a link regarding this data that someone can send me on the web? Who has done the most research on this subject? Any advise and information that can be provided would be helpful.

[Tigger]

I know I've seen actual research data somewhere, but can't put my finger on it. Tony Avent's recommendation (from the link I posted in your other thread) is reasonable: at least 30 days with temperatures below 40°F. I attach a Word document that was published in the Mid-South (Tennessee) Hosta Society newsletter.

Why do they need cold temps? In general, plants are using this dormancy period to convert sugars needed for the next season's growth. Lots of biochemical processes going on, even though the plant looks asleep. Keeping the plants from going to sleep is a form of torture.

[Chris_W]

Hostas are also native to areas with cold winters, so that's what they need. Typically the areas with longer, colder winters grow the best hostas, next the areas with lots and lots of rainfall grow fantastic hostas. Unfortunately hot, dry summers and mild winters aren't the best for them

[John]

Remember too that Hosta plantaginea and its hybrids have the best chances for success under your conditions.

[Ginger]

Steve,
You are in Dallas and I am near OKC, so we have a bit of difference but not a lot. I grow in pots mainly beacuse of the critter damage, but mine do well here. They are not nearly as big as those up north, and we have a few more fungus problems to deal with, but overall I think you can grow some great hosta. Just remember that in our climate a hour of hot sun is equal to about 3+ hours up north, so keep them where they get morning sun only, and dappled or total shade in the afternoon. Even morning sun, if too intense, will burn the whites and some of the yellows, but the blues and dark greens do really well for me. There is also another reason I like pots, I can move the hosta during the summer any where I need to

Spider is growing hosta in pots in Florida, so it can be done for us southerners

Ginger

[Ginger]

One other thing, I leave my hosta outside all winter. I don't cover, store or turn them on their sides. I think that allows them to get the cold they need in our mild winters. If you decide to grow in pots, dont use clay or ceramic, and don't keep the bottom water reserve holders on, take them off and let the water drain, that is expecially important in the winter.

Ginger

[steve]

Ginger,

So what kind of pots do you use, plastic? Also, what kind of medium do you grow them in and what do you use for snail/slugs? Has Sluggo worked for you as I have dogs outside? Finally, do you buy them already established in pots or bare root?

Steve

[Ginger]

Steve,
Yes I use plastic. It does not get as hot as clay or ceramic and won't suck all the moisture out of the soil. I use Miracle Grow potting soil with the moisture retaining stuff. I have not had any problems with slugs, even when they were in the ground. Not sure why, just lucky I guess. Gophers, moles and other under the ground critters were my downfall. I have very sandy soil, so they loved it! (the gophers that is, although the hosta liked it too) I have done both, potted bare root (since I get most of my hosta from Chris) and I have re-potted a couple I got from box stores that were in pots. If I buy already in pots I usually re-pot them as soon as I get them home and I wash them down to the bare roots, I don't keep the soil they were in. I try real hard not to buy from anyone but Chris due to all the viruses etc that are running rampant in box stores. You will have to up-pot every couple of years, but Chris says hosta like to be root bound, so if you miss one, it usually does not hurt them at all. Or, at least has not hurt mine yet

Ginger