Perennial

When to Plant Hostas in Georgia

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

The Short Answer

Hostas grow in north Georgia's mountain region and the cooler parts of the Piedmont, but struggle in south Georgia's heat. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide ideal hosta conditions — cool, shady, and moist.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Hostas Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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Growing Hostas in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: plant from mid-April. The Blue Ridge provides excellent hosta conditions. Piedmont/Atlanta: plant in the deepest shade available with consistent irrigation. Afternoon shade is essential — morning sun only. South Georgia: not recommended. Mulch heavily and water consistently in the Piedmont's summer heat.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Mountains: the full range. Piedmont: heat-tolerant varieties only — Sum and Substance, Guacamole, Royal Standard. South Georgia: not viable.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Heat stress in the Piedmont. Slugs statewide. Deer browse in mountain areas. South Georgia is too hot for reliable hosta production.

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 in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Hostas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Hostas in Alaska Alaska planting dates Hostas in Arizona Arizona planting dates Hostas in Arkansas Arkansas 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

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