Coleus plants are durable and easy to grow. The coleus plants are a tender perennials. Frost will cause them to die immediately. Coleus plants are so colorful that many people keep them and use them as a house plant. These plants will do best in temperatures above 55 degrees. Flower buds should be pinched off as soon as they develop. If a coleus plant is allowed to seed, it has completed its life cycle and will die. Coleus must have good soil drainage. Poorly drained soils and excessive watering will damage coleus. Plants suffering from “wet feet” will be stunted, leaves will turn a muddy brown, and leaf margins will be scorched.
All Coleus prefer evenly moist garden soil. Where the growing season is long, pinch the tips of the stems regularly to encourage branching and compact growth. If you grow Coleus in containers, we recommend that you incorporate a timed-release fertilizer at planting time. We also suggest using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks for plants in containers; in the ground, once a month is enough, with the fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Hardy only to Zone 10, plants cannot withstand frost without damage. In colder climates, plants can be overwintered without difficulty on a sunny windowsill, or take tip cuttings in early fall to start new plants. Coleus root very readily.
It is commonly recommended that the blooms of Coleus be removed as soon as they appear because they detract from the foliage display. Bloom is sparse on the varieties we offer, and the small lavender-blue flowers are neither unattractive nor very showy; it hardly seems worth the trouble to cut them off.
We think you, too, will admire the creamy yellow tear-drop pattern flowing down the centers of these crocodile green leaves—indeed, an eye-catching combination. Plants are exceptionally well-branched and heat tolerant.
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- Height: 24-34″
- Spacing: 12-16″
- Width: 12-16″
- Location: Full Sun to full shade
- Water: High
- Growth Habit: Trailing
Start your seeds indoors eight to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. You’ll need seed trays or small containers, and a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
Fill your seed flats or containers with potting mix and place three or four of the tiny seeds on top of the soil. They need light to germinate, so gently press them into the potting mix, but do not cover.
You may need to use a heat mat, as coleus seeds require a consistent temperature of 70-75°F to germinate. Place in a sunny windowsill and if desired, you can cover the tray with a humidity cover or plastic. If you use a humidity cover, make sure the seeds receive indirect light as direct sunshine will cause the seeds to cook.
Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged. To prevent the seeds from washing away, you can use a spray bottle or plant mister to gently water the soil.
After seven to 14 days, seeds will germinate, and at this point you can remove the humidity cover, if using. Thin the seedlings so that there is one plant per seed flat or container. Keep the seedlings in a sunny location and maintain even moisture in the soil.
When they have two sets of true leaves, or are about two to three inches tall, transplant them from your seed flats to three- to four-inch individual containers. Continue to provide even moisture, and never allow the soil to dry out.
After they have at least six sets of true leaves, or are about six inches tall, you can gently pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushy growth.
When all risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them into the garden or a permanent container, as described below.
If you’re in Zones 9-11, you can start your seeds outdoors. Wait until all danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures are in the 60s.
Prepare your planting location by digging up the top layer of soil and adding some potting mix on which to place the seeds. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, and when seedlings have one set of true leaves, thin to six to 10 inches apart.
Growing Tips:
Plant in a part to full shade location that receives some morning sun
Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Pinch growing tips and flower buds to encourage bushy growth