Bob Solberg of Green Hill Hostas | The Man Who Created the Hostas Everyone Grows Hybridizing Guacamole, Curly Fries & the Future of Hosta Breeding

If you've ever grown Guacamole, Curly Fries, or First Frost, you've already met Bob Solberg's work. In this Season 2 premiere of Hosta La Vista, we sit down with the legendary hybridizer behind Green Hill Hostas — a nursery that grew from a backyard passion project into one of the most respected names in hosta breeding worldwide.Bob has introduced around 100 hosta cultivars to the market over his career, and he's still as excited about the future of hostas as ever. In this conversation he shares what the hybridizing process actually looks like, the story behind some of his most beloved varieties, his friendship with fellow hosta legend Loleta Powell, and what he thinks the next generation of growers needs to know.Whether you're a seasoned collector, a new plant parent who just fell down the hosta rabbit hole or curious about starting your own breeding program — there's something here for you.Topics covered:How Bob Solberg hybridizes hostas and what he looks for in a new cultivarThe stories behind Guacamole, Curly Fries, and First FrostHow Green Hill Hostas grew from backyard to global nurseryBob's friendship with Loleta PowellWhat's next for hosta breeding — and why the best may be yet to comeAdvice for new and younger growers getting into hostasFollow or subscribe on Spotify, Youtube or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, and share with a fellow plant lover to help us grow. Find us on Instagram and Facebook at hosta la vista podcast. Drop us a comment, say hello, and let us know what you'd like to hear next. Remember, you can always email us at [email protected].