Can coleus be grown from seed?
Coleus may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or from potted plants. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost using a seed starting kit. Sow sees shallowly lightly covered with fine seed starting soil. Technically, coleus plants are tender perennials that can live for more than one year in ideal conditions. Still, most gardeners grow them as annuals that die once freezing temperatures arrive. The good news is that growing a coleus as a perennial is easy if you wish to keep your favorite variety around.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.Usually, Coleus seeds are sown in the spring season. The seeds can be planted till the season of a mild winter arrives. Coleus plant seeds are susceptible to frost, which is why their planting season is before severe winters. Subsequently, the Coleus plant growing season is usually between summer to early fall months.Do coleus come back? 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.How to plant: Wait until temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees F before planting outdoors. Coleus does best in partial to full shade, though many newer varieties can tolerate full sun. For optimum foliage color, choose a site that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
What are the benefits of growing coleus?
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. As a whole, if you like adding greenery to your home, you must expand your collection with a coleus. Coleus plants are versatile and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. They are often grown as annuals outdoors in warmer climates but can also be grown as houseplants in cooler regions or for extended periods.Coleus can grow well in pots or the ground, making them a versatile addition to an outdoor space.Coleus plants are easy to care for as long as they’re placed in an area that receives bright, indirect light and are in consistent, humid temperatures. Its beautiful, colorful foliage is perfect for borders, containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds.Pruning back coleus helps them grow fuller and bushier instead of tall and leggy. Just snip above a leaf node, and your plant will send out two new shoots!
Do I need to soak coleus seeds 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. Seeds can be sown directly in drills (rows) or broadcast (scattered over the soil surface). Sowing in drills makes it easier to distinguish your seedlings from weed seedlings, and is suitable for seeds that need to be sown deeper than a few millimetres.Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results.
What month do you plant coleus?
Coleus is typically grown as an annual and can be started indoors from seeds or cuttings about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date. The average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year. It’s not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.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.Coleus plants are petite and herbaceous, commonly grown as houseplants for their bold, colorful foliage in shades of green, pink, maroon, purple, and more. They grow relatively quickly and can live for several years when kept inside. Vibrant and low-maintenance, these plants are a popular choice.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.
What is the lifespan of a coleus plant?
Coleus scutellarioides is an upright annual or short-lived perennial plant which can live for about three or four years. Coleus plants are easy to care for as long as they’re placed in an area that receives bright, indirect light and are in consistent, humid temperatures. Its beautiful, colorful foliage is perfect for borders, containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds.Technically, coleus plants are tender perennials that can live for more than one year in ideal conditions. Still, most gardeners grow them as annuals that die once freezing temperatures arrive. The good news is that growing a coleus as a perennial is easy if you wish to keep your favorite variety around.Coleus plants need rich, loose, well-draining soil and ample water while they’re growing. If your plants are losing their leaves, they may be adjusting to the drier indoor environment and the change in light intensity.Cut a length of stem, removing the lower leaves. Place it in water and in weeks, you’ll have a fully rooted plant. You can continue growing coleus like this, or place it in a pot of soil. Coleus grows in full sun or shade and does equally well in containers as it does in the garden.Coleus is a very easy plant to grow and maintain, and they generally require very little maintenance. However, with some minor cutting back, you can encourage your Coleus to push out new growth.