Perennial

When to Plant Hostas in Arkansas

The king of shade gardens. Hostas come in hundreds of varieties and get more beautiful with each passing year.

The Short Answer

In Arkansas, plant hostas based on your regional frost dates. Northern Arkansas has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables.

Arkansas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arkansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arkansas 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Hostas Planting Schedule for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Growing Hostas in Arkansas

Hostas in Arkansas's Climate

Hostas grow in the cooler parts of your zone but struggle in the warmest areas. Mountain regions are excellent. Piedmont and urban areas need deep shade and consistent moisture. Choose thick-leaved, heat-tolerant varieties (Sum and Substance, Guacamole) — thin leaves scorch in warm conditions.

Soil Considerations for Arkansas

Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables. Hostas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Arkansas's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. This difference matters for hostas — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant divisions or nursery plants in spring or fall. Slugs are the main enemy — use iron phosphate bait. Mulch to retain moisture.

Companion Planting

Plant hostas alongside these companions for better growth:

Ferns Astilbe Heuchera

The Bottom Line

Hostas can be grown successfully across Arkansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arkansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Arkansas can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Hostas Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arkansas Planting Calendar All plants for Arkansas Hostas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Hostas in Alaska Alaska planting dates Hostas in Arizona Arizona planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates