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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. Place the pots on a heating pad, seed-starting mat or cozy window sill to get them started and keep between 70ºF and 75ºF.
How long does it take to grow coleus from seed?
Sowing Seed Indoors: Coleus can benefit with bottom heat. Seedlings emerge in 12-21 days. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.
Is it easy to grow coleus from seed?
The shade-loving coleus is a favorite among shade and container gardeners. With its bright leaves and tolerant nature, many gardeners wonder if coleus propagation can be done at home. The answer is, yes, and quite easily. Taking coleus cuttings or growing coleus from seed is quite easy.
When should you start coleus seeds?
Coleus seeds take 7 to 14 to germinate and grow slowly at first. Starting them indoors eight to 12 weeks before your last expected frost date gives them plenty of time to grow into sturdy seedlings before transplant time, advises Missouri Botanical Garden.
How deep do you plant a coleus seed?
Quick Reference Growing Guide Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial Flower/Foliage Color: Exposure: Part to full shade Soil pH: Spacing: 6-12 inches, depending on variety Soil Drainage: Planting Depth: Surface sow seeds, same as root ball (transplants) Companion Planting: Height: Up to 3 feet Uses:.
Does coleus like sun or shade?
Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.
How often do you water coleus seeds?
Coleus in containers may need watering twice a day during hot weather. Outdoor containers may require water twice a day. Indoor plants need water only once every two or three days, or a bit more if you live in a dry climate.
How long are coleus seeds viable?
Seeds in good condition and stored properly will last at least one year and, depending on the plant, may last two to five years.
Will coleus come back every year?
Taking a perennial to a location where cold winters kill it does not make it an annual. Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones.
How can I make my coleus grow faster?
Keep them indoors in a sunny window, and wait to move them outside until nighttime temperatures stay in the 50s. Coleus won’t grow any faster if you put them out early, and you could actually stunt their growth or they might die, even if temperatures stay above freezing.
Why is my red coleus turning green?
Your coleus plant is most likely turning green because it isn’t getting enough light to maintain its original color. Coleus plants need lots of sunlight to keep their color, so if they aren’t getting enough, you’ll need to give it more to restore their beautiful hues.
Will coleus grow inside?
Growing coleus plants indoors isn’t at all difficult but does require a few basic needs when it comes to light and temperature. Coleus likes bright light, but be careful of intense sunlight. Coleus as an indoor plant performs best in temperatures between 60 and 75 F.
When should I repot coleus seedlings?
It isn’t mandatory to repot your coleus immediately after purchase, unless the roots show that they’re feeling squeezed. Repotting in a pot of a slightly larger size is recommended at the end of every winter. From mid-May onwards, the plant can be brought outdoors.
How do you take care of coleus seedlings?
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist. Keep them out of the wind to avoid breakage. Coleus will not survive a frost, so either treat your plant as an annual or move it inside when temperatures begin to drop.
How do I make my coleus bushy?
You can make coleus bushy by routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant. Over time, the main stem or trunk of your coleus will become strong and support a larger, fuller plant. Regular feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer can also promote growth.
Are coleus slow growing?
A few winters ago I had a collection of unhappy coleus plants. They did not die, but they grew very slowly, even with plenty of water and fertilizer. The plants are fast growers, even in midwinter, and they look best when stems are short and leaves are overlapping. Cut back a coleus any time, as much as you like.
Where is the best place to plant coleus?
Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot, in moist but well-drained soil. 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.
Does coleus go to seed?
Seeds are tiny and will show themselves when the capsule or fruit splits. Save these in a plastic bag until you are ready to plant them. Coleus plants are easy to start from seed, either indoors or outside when temperatures are at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C.).
