Inside a Hosta Tissue Culture Lab: Rob Mortko Shares Secrets of TC, Sports & Future Introductions

Ever wonder how thousands of your favorite Hostas make their way from a single plant into gardens across the country? This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're joined by Rob Mortko, owner of Made in the Shade Tissue Culture Lab, President of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society, frequent Hosta convention speaker, and dedicated Hosta sport hunter. Rob takes us inside the fascinating world of Hosta tissue culture (TC), explaining how the process works, why growers rely on it, and the advantages it offers for producing healthy, consistent plants. He also shares some of the challenges and drawbacks of tissue culture, helping gardeners understand both sides of this important propagation method. Along the way, we chat about Hosta sports, Hosta conventions, and the future of Hosta introductions. Rob even gives listeners a sneak peek at several exciting Hostas that could be headed to the market in 2027. Of course, no visit from Rob would be complete without a little fun. We put his Kansas knowledge to the test and discover whether he can survive a trip through the Sunflower State! Whether you're a Hosta collector, hybridizer, grower, or simply curious about how new Hostas are produced, this episode is packed with insights you won't hear anywhere else. In this episode: How Hosta tissue culture works Benefits and drawbacks of tissue culture The role of TC in the Hosta industry Hunting for Hosta sports Midwest Regional Hosta Society updates Future Hosta introductions expected in 2027 A Kansas-themed game segment with Rob Subscribe, follow, and share with your favorite Hosta-loving friends. And if you enjoy the show, leave us a review and help more gardeners discover the friendship plant! Hosta la Vista, Baby!