Too soon to plant hosta in Zone 5 Chicago?

13 years ago

I've needed a Guacamole to balance an existing one for years. I just saw one in a nearby garden center, but it's so early.

If I buy one leafed out now, and plant it in Zone 5, won't it be shocked? I don't know where these plants came from, but it must be someplace much warmer. No sign of emergence in my garden yet.

But I know if I wait to buy, they'll be gone. Keep it in the house? In a sheltered nook outside? Thanks!

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Comments (6)

kskaren
13 years ago
I've already received 2 of the 4 orders I placed, so I potted them up and am keeping them outside next to the house. I cover them when the temp drops to freezing, but we've not had any severely cold weather for a few weeks now. They are doing fine. If it was me, I'd go ahead and buy it if you are afraid they will be out when you are ready to plant. You should only have to hold it over a couple of weeks now. That said, I'm still a newbie, so you might want to get a 2nd opinion.
Karen
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
they are VERY troubled with frost or freeze...

especially the fragrant ones..

it stays in the garage until ALL possibility of frost or freeze is gone ..

if it had not been leafed out.. it could have been planted ...

whatcha doin, slummin with my hosta peeps????

ken
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in ny zone5
13 years ago
I bought a multi-eyed Sagae fully leafed out 2 weeks ago for $9, had to bring it into the garage a few times because of frost at night, but it looks great. My Weather Channel predictions some night were off by 7 degrees, that is they said 38F and it froze outside, thermometer said 31F. So watch out.

The $9 hostas at my garden center are now $5. They did not bring it in, did not watch for frost, hostas got frozen.
Bernd
gayle0000
13 years ago
I'm in Bloomington/Normal, IL.

I wait until the second half of May before I plant.

I'll be taking a trip to Hornbaker's in Princeton, IL in a week...which is early for me. I'll keep them potted until mid-May.

I don't think you'll kill anything by planting now. I just think it's a better choice to wait.
Gayle
hostared
13 years ago
I'm in your area. And I have set some plants out fully leafed out. When there is a chance of frost or low temps I just cover them with a large old pot or basket. Uncover in the morning. I have plants now that have emerged and they will do fine.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
13 years ago
Ken, ha ha ha ha..... I know where your peeps hang out! I am a spy sent from Bulbs and Perennials to see if more is happening in this forum. We get jealous.

Next time I go that way, I'll get one (if they are not gone!). With $4.21 gas there are no spontaneous trips. It will stay in the garage until mid May. At least the pot is small, it can go out on a sunny day.

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Too soon to plant hosta in Zone 5 Chicago?

Comments (6)

kskaren

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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in ny zone5

gayle0000

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linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author

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Too soon to plant hosta in Zone 5 Chicago?

Comments (6)

kskaren

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Related Discussions

in ny zone5

gayle0000

hostared

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author