Dividing hostas is easy—here’s how
Hostas are one of the easiest perennials to grow in your garden. They are pretty low maintenance but should be divided every few years. I will show you how to divide hosta in the Spring the easy way.
Spring Hosta Division Made Simple: When, How, and Aftercare Tips
Hostas overflowing their space? Instead of buying new plants, turn one into five for free! I’ve divided hundreds of hostas in my New England garden. Here’s the stress-free way to split hostas without killing them! (Hosta is an amazingly resilient plant…which means it’s pretty hard to kill anyway.)
My perennials have finally started to get growing; we’ve had an unseasonably cold spring here in New England and everything seems to be coming back to life so slowly. It’s finally warm enough for me to get out and work in the garden…yes, I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m a wimp and hate working outside when it’s cold!! One of the first items on my garden to-do list this year is to divide some of my hostas. Let me show you how to divide Hostas.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission if you purchase through our links. See our disclaimer page for more information.
When to Divide Hostas (Best Times by Zone)
- Early Spring (Best for Recovery):
In my Zone 6a garden, I divide as soon as the ‘eyes’ poke through soil—usually late April. Cool temps reduce shock. - Late Summer/Early Fall (Second Best):
August/Sept. divisions work if you water daily for 2 weeks. Avoid hot, dry spells! - Never Divide When:
- Blooming (wastes energy)
- Frost is imminent (under 4 weeks before the first frost)
USDA Grow Zone Interactive Map
Tools You’ll Need (No Fancy Gear!)
What You Will Need
- Essential Tools:
- Garden knife (or old chef’s knife)
- Garden fork (for prying tough clumps)
- Disinfectant (rubbing alcohol or 10% bleach solution)
- Optional Helpers:
- Garden Cart (for moving divisions)
- Sharpie + plant tags (to label varieties)
Step-by-Step Division Guide
Why is it a good idea to divide plants after a few years? Well, first it allows for healthy root development. When a plant starts getting too big the roots can become tangled and unhealthy. My favorite reason though is that you get more plants for free!
To prepare for dividing your hostas: Water hostas deeply 24 hours before dividing—plump roots split cleaner.
Step 1. Digging Up Your Hosta (Without the Guesswork!)
When:
Early spring is ideal—when those pointy “eyes” just pierce the soil but before leaves unfurl. Why? The plant’s energy is focused underground, so divisions recover faster.
How:
- Choose Your Weapon:
- Pitchfork (my go-to for minimal root damage)
- Garden shovel (better for giant hostas like ‘Sum and Substance’)
- The Gentle Approach:
- Insert your tool 4-6 inches outside the emerging shoots (where the root ball’s edge hides).
- Pro Tip: “I wiggle the fork—don’t stab!—to feel for resistance. It’s like finding the edge of a buried plate!”
- Loosen Like a Pro:
- Work in a circle, rocking the tool back/forth to coax roots free.
- Watch for: Snapping sounds (stop! you’re cutting roots).
- Why This Works:
- Preserves feeder roots (the hair-like ones that absorb water)
- Prevents crown damage (no more “Why is my hosta limp?!” moments)
Step 2. Lift Out The Rootball
The Art of the Seesaw:
- Gently rock your pitchfork up/down like a teeter-totter to loosen the root ball. I pretend I’m prying the lid off a stubborn cookie tin—slow and steady wins!
When to Get Hands-On (For stubborn clumps):
- Slide your fingers under the crown (where shoots meet roots) and give it a hug—firm but kind!
- Pro Tip: Wear gardening gloves—hosta roots can be surprisingly gritty!
Once lifted, shake off excess soil to expose the root system:
- Even a small hosta’s roots look like a tangled octopus—don’t panic! This means it’s thriving.
Step 3. Divide Like A Pro
My Go-To Tool:
I use a sharp chef’s knife from my kitchen—sanitized with rubbing alcohol. (Yes, really!)
Garden knives work too, but why buy specialty tools when a chef’s knife does the job?
How to Make the Cut:
- Shake off excess soil to expose the crown (the knobby base where stems meet roots).
- Look for natural divisions—hostas often have “necks” between shoots.
- Slice cleanly downward through the crown (like cutting a pie!). Aim for 2-3 ‘eyes’ (buds) per division—they’re the plant’s lifelines!
Hostas are tougher than you think! I hacked this clump in half with zero ceremony, and both thrived. Nature wants to grow.
Pro Tips for Success:
Step 4: Replanting Your Hosta Divisions (The Final Touch!)
Digging the Perfect Hole:
- 2x wider than the root ball (roots spread sideways, not down)
- Same depth as the original growing spot (no deep burials—crowns hate soggy collars!)
Planting Pro Tips:
- Set the division in the hole and fan out the roots like a “skirt” (no tangled knots!).
- Backfill with native soil—no fertilizer needed yet! mix in a handful of compost if the soil’s tired.
- Gentle Foot Tamp (my signature move!): I walk in a circle around the plant, pressing soil lightly with my boots. Think ‘happy dance’, not stomp!
Aftercare Secrets for Thriving Hostas
The First 2 Weeks (Critical!):
- Watering Wisdom:
- Think ‘slow sip’, not flood! Water every 2-3 days (unless it rains) until soil is damp 4 inches deep.
- Pro Tip: Stick your finger in the soil—if it’s dry past your second knuckle, it’s time to water.
TLC for Stressed Plants:
- If leaves yellow: Snip them off to redirect energy to roots. Don’t panic—hostas prioritize roots first!
- Sunburn alert: Shield divisions with a laundry basket for 3-5 days if planted in a brighter spots than before.
Long-Term Love:
Mulching Magic:
- After 2 weeks, add 1-2″ of shredded bark or leaves to retain moisture and deter weeds. I avoid piling mulch against the crown—it’s like wrapping a scarf too tight!
When to Fertilize:
- Wait 4-6 weeks until new growth appears, then use half-strength liquid seaweed fertilizer. Hostas are light eaters—overfeeding burns roots!
Now It’s Your Turn!
Dividing hostas isn’t just gardening—it’s multiplying joy. In a few months, those humble divisions will turn into lush foliage, proving that nature rewards bold moves!
Remember:
Hostas want to live. Even if you forgot to water or cut clumsily, they’ll bounce back.
If you have too many divisions. Share extras with neighbors and spread the garden love!
Do you have daylilies?? Check out How to Divide Daylilies.
See your projects featured! If you are inspired by this or any of my other DIY projects I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
Grow With Me Gardening Series
This is part of the Grow With Me Gardening Series here at Cottage On Bunker Hill. I want to teach you ways of starting, maintaining, and enjoying gardening. I will share all the tips & tricks that I have learned over the years growing both vegetable and flower gardens here in the Northeast.
Cottage Garden
Favorite Products
Shop my gardening favorites! Raised beds, plant supports, & tools to make your garden grow.
More easy gardening ideas
The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Cutting Garden in 2025
Picture this: You step outside with shears in hand, breathing in the scent of just-picked lavender and zinnias so vibrant they…
A Guide to Growing Zinnias for Beginners: Easy Steps to Success
Zinnias should be at the top of your flower-growing list! These vibrant beauties are incredibly easy to care…
From Seedling to Sprout: A Tour of My Cottage Garden’s Growth
Hey everyone, welcome back to Cottage on Bunker Hill! Gardening’s been in my blood for over 20 years…
I have a hosta question….. my hostas look great and then it seems like overnight, something starts eating them and they look awful! I assume it is snails that are feasting on them, but I’m not sure. Any suggestions as to what to do or how to prevent this?
I just started following your blog and am looking forward to learning more!
Thanks!
Judy
Judy, I bet it’s slugs or snails! There is a product called Sluggo that my gardening friends say is great (I don’t have slug problems here). You can find it at Lowe’s etc.
Great tips, friend! I see some hosta dividing in my future!
Thanks Kimmy!
My hostas are green all year round. We took a weedeater to them and they’re all thriving again. We bought the house with overgrown everything. Can I still dig up and split. Live in southern SC.
Hosta are so resilient! I’ve dug them up a little late in the Spring and they did fine after I split and replanted. Your climate is much warmer than mine so I wouldn’t wait too much longer to divide. Dividing can also keep the size of the hosta in check if they are becoming too big.
I have two huge hostas I’ve had for about 20 plus years. Made the mistake of planting them in direct sum? I have never divided them because I’m afraid i will kill it lol. It’s huge!
HELP!
TANGELIA
ALABAMA
It’s so hard to kill hosta!! Do they die back in the Fall in Alabama? If they do, that’s a great time to divide them. If it’s huge the root ball is probably huge too so you might need some help trying to pry it out…and you can cut it into more pieces than mine.
I love you site, tips, and easy to follow instructions. Thank You!
Thank you so much, Pat!! Have a great weekend! I’m heading out to the garden right now!!