In general, it is best to wait until a newly planted specimen has put out new roots before applying fertilzer. An exception is timed release fertilizer which may be applied to new plantings. For our established hostas we feed with a balanced granular fertilizer (13-13-13) in the spring before the leaves have fully emerged. After the leaves have emerged we recommend using a balanced water soluable fertilizer. If you use granular fertilzer after the leaves have emerged, try to ensure that none of the granules stick in the foliage....most fertilzers will burn the leaves. Generally, a good overhead watering will wash the fertilizer off the leaves. If you have access to well rotted animal waste compost you may add this to your beds....but keep the compost from hilling up on the plant's growing tips as this promotes rot.
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