How/when to divide hostas?

I've got hostas poking through the topsoil. These are two years old - would it be safe to divide? How soon, and how? I have space to put the offspring, just don't know what to do!

All help appreciated!

Becky G.

Becky, I'm in the same boat you are - I have some very large hostas that I need/want to move and divide (I didn't plant them, but I'd guess they've been here for several years, given their girth.)

Many sources say to divide them now - early spring. But here's a link to dividing directions that follows a different school of thought, and argues that fall may be a better time, and will put less stress on the plant:

http://www.hosta.net/tips.htm

Any hosta growers out there with advice? I was hoping to divide them now, but I don't want to unnecessarily stress these plants.

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Do them now. I just get a shovel and stab between the two shoots (or however many there are) and rip the ones I want elsewhere out of the ground. Sorry for the violent description, but it does seem to be quite effective...

Have fun!

Mike

I've had better luck dividing mine in the spring too. I dig up the clump, wash off all the soil and use a large knife to cut the clump into smaller pieces. Hostas take about five years to reach maturity and don't need divided every year, unless you want more. Make sure to dig a large hole and add lots of compost, plant the newly divided clumps and water well. A water soluble fertilizer after they are growing will help.
Calalily

Thank you all for your advice. I will be dividing them as hubby is revising the pathways in the garden so I will have more room for shade plants - not the reason for re-doing the path, but, hey, I'm not complaining. My back is though.......... :)

Becky G.