Can I grow coleus from seed?
Coleus is easily started from seeds. Sow seed indoors any time of the year. To set plants outdoors in spring, start seeds 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Do not cover seeds; they need light to germinate. Germination usually occurs in about one week. Plants are ready for transplanting in another two weeks. More at. 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.Spread seeds shallowly across the surface and lightly cover with fine seed starting soil. Cover container with plastic and place in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist between 65°F to 85° F – Coleus seeds can benefit from bottom heat also. Once seedlings emerge, remove the plastic covering.Coleus are easy to propagate from cuttings, but I like the grab-bag surprise of planting from mixed seed and seeing what I get. Coleus seeds need light and warmth to germinate.Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten. By mid-May, the plants should be ready for your garden or containers.
Is coleus difficult to grow from seed?
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. The best time to start your coleus seeds is 8-12 weeks before the last frost. Coleus takes a bit of time to germinate, and it can take a long time to grow into little coleus plants. Therefore it does need to be started early.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.
What is the lifespan of a coleus plant?
In their native tropical environments, coleus plants can live for several years as perennials. However, in most temperate climates, they are grown as annuals and will only live for one growing season before being killed by frost. 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.This is why coleus is mostly considered an annual, it is sold in the summer, planted after the final frost date, and then dies after a frost. It will not survive winters that have below 32°F (0°C) temperatures.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.
What month do you plant coleus?
In cooler regions, take cuttings from your plants before the first frost in the fall and place them in water to root. Plant the rooted cuttings in small pots and keep them near a sunny window for the winter. Come spring, once the danger of frost has passed, plant the coleus outdoors. You can make coleus bushy by routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant.
Does coleus self seed?
According to epic gardening, Coleus will self seed if you live in zones 7+. However they will not be reliable. They need to be left to bloom in order to seed, and they will not look like their parent plants. Coleus are easy to propagate from cuttings, but I like the grab-bag surprise of planting from mixed seed and seeing what I get. Coleus seeds need light and warmth to germinate. Sow seeds on top of damp soil or seed starting mix, press them gently into the soil and do not cover.