For breeding i need certian hosta to grow as fast as i can to get the next generation. i fertilize the breeders several times a season. the ones in pots get layered medium, bottom third is aged chicken manure/bedding wood shaving type, middle layer is pine bark nuggets, top layer is grow mix. as they unfurl they get tomatoe fertilizer, the crystal type basic big box store stuff most brands are similar. then a couple weeks later half tomatoe half bloom fertilizer. …after that just water. Nonbreeders get a dose of fertilizer every couple years, ground covers never get it.

seedlings really benefit from the tomatoe fertilizer, most of the top breeders i know use it. its been working for the last couple decades for me. zillis uses a similar mix as whats in the tomatoe fertilizer. most garden centers in big box stores have it.