She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. Coleus questions! Copyright © 2020 One Hundred Dollars a Month - Disclosure Policy - Design by Sharon Hujik, Mavis Garden Blog - Espalier Trees, Pallet Gardening, Kale Starts and More, Growing Vegetables in a Greenhouse - Spinach, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Strawberries and Tomatoes, Gothenburg Botanical Garden - Desert Life Exhibit. Rules for growing Coleus from seeds at home To grow coleus from seeds is possible even for an amateur. Water the plant thoroughly after planting. Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Seeds started indoors need at least eight weeks of indoor growing before transplanting outdoors. Space the seedlings 12 to 20 inches apart, or closer for dwarf cultivars. The amount of light needed for each seed to germinate, however, is scarcely noted on the packets. Make sure that your tropical plants are not placed in a cold draft. Press the seeds into light soil, but don’t cover them, as coleus seeds need light to germinate. Work a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil and then smooth the surface of the soil before planting. Do not cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. If you are starting them outdoors, wait until 1-2 weeks after the last frost. Coleus needs well-draining soil. Some modern cultivars tolerate full sun, but most varieties prefer full or partial shade, and the color improves with the amount of shade. Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-75ºF. I just ordered some seeds, can’t wait! If you are starting them outdoors, wait until 1-2 weeks after the last frost. As with many other types of plants, the key to growing successful coleus begins with picking the appropriate potting soil. okay I know this is about coleus but I have a thought about that little space by the window. Place in a sunny windowsill and if desired, you can cover the tray with a … 100 seeds PLANTING. Place the pots on a heating pad, seed-starting mat or cozy window sill to get them started and keep between 70ºF and 75ºF. 4 Comments. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. All … 2. Sow seeds on top of damp soil or seed starting mix, press them gently into the soil and do not cover. Too much sun can cause purple-black ones to fade all over or they may scald (have pale burn spots on leaves). Remove spent blooms, dead or dying leaves, and cut back any stems that are sick or unsightly. In order to grow successfully indoors as a potted plant you will need to offer it five things: appropriate soil, appropriate light, food, and water and adequate pinching. Coleus seeds are fairly inexpensive and may be purchased from almost any nursery or harvested from a plant that has gone to seed.Propagating coleus from seed is a fairly easy process and within two weeks of germination, coleus seeds will have sprouted and began to show their colors. Coleus is SUPER easy to grow, and well, they just keep on getting bigger and bigger as the season progresses and I’m looking forward to planting them again this year. Press the seeds onto the surface of the soil, but don't bury them. There are two ways to grow coleus 1. The other way of germinating coleus is to cutting root in plain water. A few places that work are a seed sowing heating mat, or placing the container on top of the fridge or freezer, near a heating vent, or in a very sunny window with several hours of strong daylight. Press the seeds onto the surface of the soil, but don't bury them. That way, you can be sure you’ll be giving your plants the right light exposure in the garden. Don't confuse seed light requirements with what seedlings need. It is not just the very tiny seeds which sometimes need light to germinate, an average seed like Impatiens is light sensitive too and should be covered with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite after sowing and left in diffused light, placed in polythene to provide a high humidity until germination which usually takes 10-14 days at 21-42°C (70-75°F). Some seeds need the stimulus of light hitting them before they will break dormancy and start to germinate. Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. Check these plants more frequently and water when soil is dry. Some seeds actually germinate best when exposed to light; if these seeds are covered with soil, chances are that they will never sprout. Balance Water and Light. Moisten the soil to a depth of several inches and then press the seeds onto the surface of the soil, but don't bury them. The soil temperature should be kept between 70-75 degrees for quickest germination (10-15 … Therefore, even a novice gardener can grow a coleus from seeds at home. Because seeds require light to germinate, sow them on the surface. If more than one seedling emerges, clip or pinch out the excess seedlings. Water. If the window is facing North how about a collection of African violets and their cousins. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before average last frost in your area. Most seeds germinate best under dark conditions and might even be inhibited by light (e.g., Phacelia and Allium spp.). The culture is not picky and does not require special care. I”t could even hold a large poster of ships in a harbor or a lobster. After sowing these seeds, lightly press them into the germination medium, but do not cover them. AFAIK, Coleus seeds need light to germinate. Being a tropical perennial plant, all varieties of coleus plants grow in average room temperatures. Coleus seeds need light to germinate. Keep Coleus plants trimmed. Seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover the seeds too much. Coleus seeds need light and warmth to germinate. Do not cover the seeds with seed starter or soil, coleus need light to germinate. Coleus seeds take 7 to 14 to germinate and grow slowly at first. Then, plant your coleus in enriched soil and water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. They germinate best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your Coleus plants are growing in the ground, then a … If you plan to start them indoors, sow them 8 - 10 weeks before you want to plant outside. Coleus is very tender annual, and are susceptible to even a light frost. You may need to supplement available light with artificial lights during the winter. The seeds of some plant species require light for germination. I first started growing coleus about 10 years ago when Mrs. HB and I were neighbors. coleus light requirements. Anyone can do this. I also pinch cuttings and root them in water if I need more plants. Posted on December 13, 2020 | December 13, 2020 | You can start the seeds outdoors in USDA zones 9 and warmer any time the soil temperature is consistently 70 degrees or warmer. Coleus seeds need light to germinate. Be sure to monitor water levels carefully. The bright, full direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves and bleach out the plant’s colors. 1. It adds a pop of awesome color where other plants cannot thrive. There also could be a herb garden with fairy houses You could even place a bunch of pretty birdhouses. You may need to use a heat mat, as coleus seeds require a consistent temperature of 70-75°F to germinate. High-light areas can be warm, making plants dry out faster. Begin preparing the young seedlings for outdoor life about two weeks before transplanting them by placing them in a shady location outdoors for gradually increasing lengths of time. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. The plant will quickly produce more. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before average last frost in your area. Houseplants for different indoor light conditions Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month. Curious how many seeds you plant in each pot, and do you thin them? It takes 10 days or more for the seeds to germinate. Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Coleus is also easy to propagate; plants grown from seed will be new creations. Choose the right soil. Germination takes 10 - 12 days if kept at 72 degrees F. They are also simple to propagate from cuttings. The ideal spot for a Coleus Plant is one that receives afternoon shade and morning sun. Although the growing guidelines described here make it possible to grow coleus indoors year-round, coleus is often grown as an annual and discarded once it becomes leggy (a problem … Solenostemon scutellarioides. I also keep them in a windowsill, or as close to an E/W/S window as possible. You can cut and promote. Thanks to more than 200 years of hybridization, we can grow coleus in any color but blue and with leaf shapes that range from simple lancets to deeply cut, ivylike foliage. The reason is that the sun is the hottest in the afternoon. Learn how your comment data is processed. Where to Plant Coleus:  Plant coleus in raised beds, garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, as indoor house plants, etc. Thank you for the reminder about Coleus!!! You may be able to start seeds without artificial lighting, but seeds that need more time indoors, such as tomatoes and peppers, may become leggy without extra light. These plants, such as balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) and poppies, drop their seeds on the soil and they germinate where they land. To ensure germination, these seeds should be pressed lightly onto the surface of the soil and kept moist. Annual. When the seedlings emerge, thin them to 12 to 20 inches apart, or closer for dwarf varieties. Place the container in a very warm spot. I had seen some crazy lush hanging baskets and planters for sale at Watson’s Greenhouse and remember thinking there was no way I’d be able to grow them in containers the way they had. Set plants out after all danger of frost is past. Mist the seeds if you are growing coleus directly in the garden. Planting Seeds: Coleus seeds need light to germinate, so press seed into the surface of your soil and do not cover. Also, how many coleus did you plant in the square garden container with the trellis? Last night as I was sorting through my seed packets and organizing them by their planting dates, I came across a packet of Rainbow Blend Coleus seeds and smiled. Coleus can be propagated either by sprinkling the seeds on the soil and pressing them gently in the soil. Very often it is seeds that self-sow that require light. This time around though, I think I’ll plant them in a few pots on the front porch. To do this, follow simple rules and recommendations. Grow coleus as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 through 12, or as an annual in any zone. Pruning will cause the plant to grow bushier. Light Requirement. Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface, needs light to germinate Coleus adds colorful foliage and a wide range of shapes and colors to shady parts of the garden. I do about 75 pots on our large deck every year and it has been many years since I had to plant any since they self sow so readily. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Seeds germinate best in a humid environment. Planting Seeds:  Coleus seeds need light to germinate, so press seed into the surface of your soil and do not cover. Coleus are very easy to grow from seed and it’s fun to see the different colors of plants that will grow from one packet of seeds. How to Start White Swan Coneflower From a Seed, How to Germinate Calendula Pacific Beauty Mix Seeds, Washington State University Clark County Extension: Colorful Coleus, How to Start Seeds Indoors With Liquid Seaweed. When plants are 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 6″-12″. Sprinkle your coleus seeds onto the soil. They tolerate wide-ranging soil types or pH, but need excellent drainage. An easy way to place just a few of the tiny seeds on the surface of the soil is to press a small, soft artist's paintbrush into the seeds and then tap it gently over the center of the pot. Look for a spot where the plant gets bright morning sunlight but indirect light during the afternoon. Sow coleus seeds in small, individual pots containing seed starting medium. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food and Flowers! Coleus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Choose different varieties to add more depth and varying colors. Cover your trays with plastic domes if you have them, and set the trays somewhere that’s between 70-75°F. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It isn’t necessary to feed the plants during fall and winter, as this is a period of minimal growth. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Your email address will not be published. Watch the plant closely. However, the seeds are cheap and easy to obtain. I hope they’re still viable and will germinate (fingers crossed). You could even make a puggle spot bench with a mirror over it to reflect the light around the house. Make sure they get sunlight from a window, or place them under grow lights to germinate. Second. When plants are 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 6″-12″. I see what looks like a lot of seedlings in one growing pot. Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area. Keep the air surrounding them moist by using a seed tray with a clear plastic cover or by enclosing the pots in a plastic bag. Growing Tips:  Plant in an area with shade to part sun. When planting coleus in areas that don't get much sun, be careful not to overwater. Keep plants moist–mulching is a good idea to help with this. I like a full look but never know whether to follow the recommended spacing or not. They germinate best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You can grow from seed. Coleus seeds require light for germination so hopefully you didn't cover them. Improve the soil with compost and transplant the seedlings when all danger of frost has passed. However, some species (e.g., Begonia, Primula, Coleus) need light to germinate (Miles and Brown 2007). I just watch for the seedlings and carefully lift them out and put them where I want them for the year. I think they’ll look fantastic against the backdrop of our little white house, and hopefully add a little joy to the people who walk by everyday with their dogs. They do need to have the flower buds removed if you want them to stay compact. This post may contain affiliate links. I’ve grown Coleus in Washington and here in New England now and I’m happy to report, they have done beautifully on each coast. Growing coleus from seeds gives you access to a wide range of possibilities. Coleus are a snap to grow, too. Hang out with Mavis & Lucy right in your Inbox! Coleus seeds need light to germinate, they must be planted on top of the soil. And I’m excited. If germinated by seeds, the seeds are usually sprinkled over the soil and pressurize them to light soil. (In the table above, annuals that require light for germination are designated with the letter L in the lighting column.) These affiliate links help support this site. Well, I was wrong. Coleus is easy to root in a glass of water, but these cuttings will look exactly like the parent plant. Keep the temperature about 70 degrees, and the soil moist, and your seedlings will sprout in 10-14 days. My Mom always grew coleus when I was a child over 50 years ago and I remember my grandmother growing them. Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. Raising coleus from seed is relatively easy. Coleus require little maintenance. And for any color, too … You should use nutrient rich soil that drains well, as coleus don’t like to be in … Light can affect leaf color on coleus plants For the most part, coleus with red and orange leaves tolerate all-day full sun. If they bloom they tend to become leggy. Required fields are marked *. The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed to Bloom; Eileen Powell. Start by reading the plant label to see if you have a shade-only variety or one of the newer models that thrive in sun or shade. Your email address will not be published. Coleus branches break easily. I bought some specialty coleus seeds a few years ago and want to plant them this year. Germination: 10-15 days. Coleus is a popular ornamental culture from the family Yasnotkovye (Labrettes). When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Coleus plants need temperatures of between 65°F and 75°F (24°C – 27°C). The weaker rays of winter, lasting for such a shorter time each day, make increased exposure necessary for most plants that have been brought in from outside. 2. Coleus plants kept in containers can be fed a liquid fertilizer once a month throughout spring and summer. Planting season, it’s nearly here! Brief description:  Coleus is a perfect ornamental annual for shady areas. 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Before the last frost in your region feed the plants during fall winter... Light frost USDA zones 9 and warmer any time the soil Flowers from seed about... Requirements with what seedlings need have the flower buds removed if you are growing coleus about 10 weeks average! Excess seedlings way, you can start the seeds are usually sprinkled over the before...