Growing your own hosta plants from seed can be a fun winter project. All you need is the seed, some soil for seedlings and a little patience. In the summer you can watch for sports on your mature plants.
Love that blue sport coming from the variegated hosta.
I planted seed 3 years ago by winter sowing in gallon milk jugs. It truly was very easy and carefree. I planted them out on the north side of the house that summer.
Unfortunately a gopher came along and devoured all 6 plants.
I have since eradicated the gopher, I will have to give it a try again.
Interesting article, but I believe it contains an error. It says the "pollen parent must be streaked" if you wish to have streaked or variegated seedlings. I believe it should be the POD parent that needs to be streaked.
And yes, the vast majority of the seedlings will be green, but even from other non-streaked plants, you can occasionally get nice surprises. I have one variegated seedling that is a reverse colour variegation from the pod parent. And you can get other attributes such as frilly leaves and red petioles.
One other thing, if you plan your own crosses rather than letting the insects do it, be prepared to rise early to beat the insects to the flowers.
Name: Paul Utah (Zone 5b) Grandchildren are my greatest joy.
Ann...you are absolutely correct. The pod parent must be streaked. The first year I tried planned crosses I made the cross incorrectly and was disappointed with the results. I'm sorry for the error.
