Gardeners grow coleus plants for their beautiful
foliage. The oval single or variegated
leaves of this annual are what make this plant stand out in your shade
garden.
I grow coleus as a border plant along my garden path and in my Hosta garden. I
also grow them in containers. Coleus plants come in a variety of colors; purple, green, brown, red, chartreuse,
magenta pink, orange, and yellow to name a few of the brilliant colors that are
available.
When you grow coleus plants you will add eye-appealing color
and interest to your shade gardens that look beautiful until fall frost.
Grow coleus from seed, cutting, or by transplanting into your
garden from a nursery-grown pot. If you
plan on growing from seed then start indoors by planting 3 seeds for 1
plant.
Grow the seed in the center of the seed-growing kit. Plant indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds need light to germinate; I have found that the indirect light of an artificial grow light is a good way to grow coleus seeds indoors.
I set the grow kits off to the side of the light. Seeds germinate in 21 days. Transplant outdoors after the threat of spring frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Grow the seed in the center of the seed-growing kit. Plant indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds need light to germinate; I have found that the indirect light of an artificial grow light is a good way to grow coleus seeds indoors.
I set the grow kits off to the side of the light. Seeds germinate in 21 days. Transplant outdoors after the threat of spring frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Choose a garden that gets partial shade throughout the
day. You can grow coleus in the ground
or plant in containers. For best-growing
results plant coleus in well-drained soil that is amended with compost or
manure. For containers grow in Miracle
Grow potting soil. Make sure the
containers have good drainage.
Plant coleus in soil that is loose. If there are clumps of soil then break it up
with a shovel or by hand. Amend the soil with compost or manure and plant a
nursery-grown plant at the same depth as the container that it was grown
in. Feed with water-based fertilizer
after planting coleus, for best results feed every two weeks.
For multiple plants allow room to grow by spacing coleus one
foot apart in the ground. For containers
or window box gardens, you can grow plants closer. When mature the plant will be 12 inches in
height with that the same spread.
Mulch the coleus garden beds with organic matter; chopped
leaf matter, pine needles, or chipped tree bark.
This organic mulch will aid in keeping the soil moist, deter weeds, and
will enrich the soil.
Other Tips
If your coleus plants' leaves are wilting this is a sign of
too much light. If there is not enough light then the leaf color will fade. Getting the right exposure to light is imperative for the health of your coleus
plant.
For best results keep the soil evenly moist by not wet and
avoid allowing the soil to dry. When the soil is dry it will put stress on the coleus plant. Container plants dry out quickly and may need
to be watered daily.
Learn tips for pruning and the history of the coleus plant by viewing this YouTube video
