What type of fertilization do Hostas need?
It is best to test your soil first to see what nutrient needs are deficient in your soil. A fertilizer that is high in nitrogen will be beneficial, giving greater grandeur to the foliage. The first application of fertilizer should be early spring, just as the Hostas are emerging from their winter dormancy. At this time they require larger amounts of nitrogen as their foliage is expanding. A 20-20-20, or 20-10-10 formula is best early in the spring. After the foliage has fully opened, they will begin to put out root growth, and thus use more potassium. Another application of fertilizer in early summer, lower in nitrogen, such as a 10-20-20 will benefit. Do not over fertilize Hosta plants or let the fertilizer have contact with the leaves. This could cause the leaves to burn.
