Hosta ventricosa

Germination

Sow indoors and any time. These seeds are prone to damping off, ensure seed tray and soil used is sterile. These flat seeds should be sown on their edge into moist, well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 16-18°C. Germination should occur in 1-3 months. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to -4-+4°C for 2-4 weeks, then return to warmth for germination. Transplant seeds when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise if the outdoor temp. is below 10°C and plant out after danger of frost has passed. You can transplant directly if the seedlings are well grown and the weather is warm.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial sun. Prefers a neutral or acid soil, chalky soils will cause the leaves to yellow. Mulch in spring. Prone to slugs and snails, treat as desired. Offering a high nitrogen fertiliser during the growing season will improve leaf size.

Cultivation

Remove dead foliage at the end of the growing season. Propagate by division in late summer or spring.