Is coleus easy to grow from seed?
Both beautiful and hardy, Coleus is one of the easiest plants to grow. Starting from seed is simple and the seeds germinate and grow quickly. Coleus is comfortable in most indoor lighting conditions and doesn’t require much space, rarely growing to much more than a few feet tall and wide. With proper watering, coleus plants thrive in typical indoor surroundings.Mostly grown as annuals, coleus are low-maintenance plants with attractive foliage. What makes coleus so popular is its versatility: the plants are easy to grow, stay vibrant in both sun and shade, and tolerate almost any soil type.We recommend a balanced all-purpose fertilizer for Coleus. Any of the 10-10-10 formulas is a good choice. Miracle Grow is good for Coleus, but make sure to follow the instructions before applying. You can use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil if you find that easier.Growing coleus from seed is easy to do. These seeds are tiny and need light and warmth to germinate. Sow coleus seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last spring frost. Coleus seeds are very tiny.
Are there coleus seeds?
Coleus Seeds. Transform your garden with the vibrant colors of our coleus seeds. Whether you prefer the bold patterns of Kong coleus or the classic look of heirloom varieties, these annual flower seeds are perfect for sun or shade. This beautiful, easy-to-grow Dwarf Coleus is said to bring luck, peaceful thoughts, and symbolize love. A native of Southeast Asia, the vibrant and colorful leaves of this plant became popular during Victorian times, as growing exotic houseplants allowed people to connect with the natural world.Propagating coleus is one of the easiest plants for newer gardeners to propagate. Although Coleus is grown mainly as an annual plant for use in containers and gardens in the summer, it can be overwintered as a houseplant and easily multiplied for planting outdoors the following summer.This plant is native to the tropics of Asia but grows well in just about any environment. Unlike most annuals, coleus cultivars are grown for their foliage, not their flowers. They have a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes and colors.Coleus can be self-seeding if the flowers are allowed to go seed, but it is best to pinch the flower stems off so the plant can direct its energy to root and leaf development, instead.
How often should I water my coleus seeds?
How Often To Water Coleus. Newly planted Coleus will need to be watered daily for the first week. Once the plant is established, it may be able to go a few days before watering, depending on the weather and humidity in your area. Coleus has high water needs and generally prefers consistently damp soil. Soil and Water—Plant your coleus in regular potting soil. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. The soil should be dry about an inch deep before you water. Use tepid water and avoid getting water directly on the leaves.The soil in which coleus grows best should be consistently moist but not soggy. Long dry spells slow the plants’ growth, and leaves start to brown around the edges. Let the soil dry out between watering and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you’re growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.Step 1: Take a coleus leaf cutting Don’t make the cuttings too large; they will not root as well or — if rooted — will become tall and lanky instead of compact. Removing the lower leaves helps keep debris out of the water.
How long do coleus seeds take to germinate?
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Sprinkle the tiny seeds on prepared trays and lightly cover with seed starting mix. Quick facts Coleus is easy to grow and thrives in both garden beds and containers. There are cultivars available for shade, partial shade and full sun. They can be started from seed or from cuttings. They are grown for their colorful foliage, not their flowers, which can be pinched off.The seedlings will emerge in around 7-14 days of planting. Once they emerge, bring them to a sunny window or under a grow light. If the seedlings look spindly or ‘leggy’ and are reaching for the light source, they need more light. Put the grow light closer, or get them into a sunnier window.Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.Coleus needs light to germinate; gently press seeds into the soil or growing medium, and do not cover with more soil. Keep seeds moist until they start sprouting, which will take 10 to 14 days. A humidity dome helps to keep the moisture in until the seeds sprout.
Should coleus seeds be soaked before planting?
Coleus seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Coleus seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established. Coleus blumei seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here. Start indoors in flats or containers. Spread seeds shallowly across the surface and lightly cover with fine seed starting soil.Coleus seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Coleus seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.Place the pots in a sunny window, water regularly and pinch back the growing tips throughout winter to promote a fuller shape. In spring, gradually introduce the plants to outdoor conditions. Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten.Container-grown coleus loves loose, fertile, potting soil. Start with a quality potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6. Be sure that your container has adequate drainage holes to ensure the soil isn’t constantly wet, which can lead to root rot.
What is the lifespan of a coleus plant?
How long can coleus live? In cold climates, coleus planted outdoors will only live for one season. You can plant coleus in containers, then bring it indoors in fall to overwinter. In warmer climates where coleus doesn’t die off with winter cold, it can live for about three or four years. If you keep them outdoors, where you live will be a crucial factor. If you keep them indoors and in the right conditions, it should live for several years. Coleus is a perennial plant when it has the right environment.Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.With air-purifying qualities, these plants make a great choice for any indoor space. Like many other indoor plants, coleus plants also remove toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment for you and your family.The best place to plant coleus is in an area with well-draining soil and bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight.