Question
I just planted 2 hostas (they came in a bag with about 5 inches of roots, possibly corms). I followed the package directions. Since the roots were very long and white, appearing very healthy, when can I expect them to emerge and begin looking large and pretty? Or, should I have purchased hostas already full grown in a pot? I'm pretty new to planting these, but they are favorites of mine.

Answer
Hello

Hostas are very hardy and tough plants.

I bought two hostas last year in summer but when I planted them, they did not make much growth.
They are coming up again and look promising (at least one does). I bought them in a pack just as you have done.

Hostas need moisture and you can not let them dry out and that is the reason mine have not done to well.

Your hostas seem healthy and the roots are still plump and white, so your hostas should grow away well once established. They will take a season or two to do this as they take a while to settle down. They should shoot in a few weeks and make new growth.

My other two hostas are growing away now and the leaves are unfurling but the two from last year are still tiny shoots.

Some growing informatoin:

Grow in shade or part shade.
Add organic matter to the soil before planting.
Keep moist and do not let them dry out.
Plant in spring.
Divide every 5-6 years but only do this if you really have to in either autumn or spring.
The thin leaved ones and golden ones need more shade or they will scorch.
They flower in summer with lilac, mauve or white flowers on 3ft stalks.
Let them die down and then remove the withered foliage.
Mulch in spring and keep a watch for slugs.
If slugs are a problem, grow hostas in large containers.

I hope this information helps.

Let me know how they go.

Happy gardening.

Jonathan.