I do not know if coleus make it through the entire year in Louisiana, but in Napa Valley, coleus should be grown as an annual or dug up when temperatures get cold and brought inside to grow as a houseplant. Don’t crowd your coleus and instead plant them a good 6 inches apart. If you are growing your Coleus in a container pot, then a time will come when it outgrows the space and needs to be repotted in a larger container. I'd like to know the "why" behind diluted hydrogen peroxide, too. Repotting. If the plant is in a pot, then repot it in a container with more drainage holes and in a mixture of peat and perlite. Kaleem. Okay Sidney, I'll try to manage that one today: photographing with money. PVC pipes cut into sections and sunk into the ground before the rock was put down so that I could plant flowers and bulbs! Sometimes I put a dollar bill in the photo to compare size. http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/growing-coleus-plants.html 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. It can take 6 weeks from sowing to transplant size (their first true leaves somewhat larger as the germination leaves). Most varieties can be grown in sun or shade, but often develop more intense coloration in bright light. I'm guessing it's because they're all packed in there together and all growing at the same rate. Weight the bag with some rocks around the plant's base, and remove the bag in daytime. They like to be abused, so just spread those roots out. I'll try to find a photo. When your coleus seedlings are approximately 2 inches tall, you will need to thin them by plucking out the weakest seedlings. Poor drainage is the biggest threat because it causes root rot. I never intended to grow coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides, USDA Hardiness Zone 11). Pests that may attack coleus include mites and whiteflies. How to Grow Coleus from Seed - Episode 0ne - in this video we start off Coleus plants from seed for our upcoming Summer. This is because coleus is grown mainly for its colors and green seedlings will not grow up to have colorful foliage. Alternatively, you can repot into a pot one size larger. Coleus (Coleus x hybridus and Solenostemon spp.) Ideal for beginner gardeners, they can be grown as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, and as annuals everywhere else.. Members of the mint family, Lamiaceae, plants in the Coleus genus are related to kitchen garden herbs including basil, sage, and marjoram, and they show off their colorful foliage from spring to first frost. They will do best in rich, loose soil, so amending with compost or peat moss before planting is advised unless you have very good soil. I got all my coleus from a local nursery so I have no idea how they started them. I will have to check the roots though. sidney. This is generally a subsistence plant, as it’s not very ornamentally-inclined. I'm beginning to think that it's all my imagination. *This is the pot in the sun. Varieties . It has been over a month since I planted some of them in the ground and some of them in pots. They are scarce, but findable most places. Overwatering, under watering, not enough light, and more. A few places that work are a seed sowing heating mat, or placing the … Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Planting material must be pre-treated in a weak solution of manganese. But extra heat, light and humidity all help speeding things up. I grow some coleus from seed, but am always amazed at the newer varieties that are available at nurseries, so I am unable to resist buying some plants in 4-inch pots. Equally as easy as growing coleus from seed is taking coleus cuttings to root and grow. Here's a picture of what they look like. For best results, plant the seeds indoors, 8–10 weeks before the last frost is expected in your area. Step 1, Start the seeds in early spring. Choose seedlings over seeds. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. You may wish to conduct a soil test, and make amendments according to the results. What does it do? Keep a seed tray or small pots indoors, and fill them with seed starting soil or potting soil. But come to think of it, they probably did start them from seed because they did come in little six packs which some of them had different coleus in the same cell. Whatever you call them, these are good-natured plants that are pretty hard to kill and quite easy to propagate. About a week before you plant to plant outside, harden your seedlings off by taking them outside during the day and bringing them back in at night. With its colorful, variegated, heart-shaped leaves, coleus brightens any home, inside or outside. Because I live in the Midwest, I tend to prefer seedlings over seeds. Place the container in a very warm spot. sidney. I don't know Sidney: They're coming to get you as I write! I mentioned earlier that some people grow coleus for tuberous roots to eat. Seedlings not developing because conditions are too cold. To do this, pinch out side-shoots and support the growing stem with a … How diluted? However, the Coleus does not rely on high humidity to thrive and will do just fine in average humidity levels. I wonder if it might be the weather? Do they need as much sun as possible? That is darling little garden doll there pirl, I wouldn't move to fla if my yard looked like that. The plant will become bushier and fill out much better with occasional pruning than when it's neglected. Run a fan on your plants a few times a day to help prevent diseases that come from poor air circulation. Pls give me tips so they can grow fast. After sowing seeds and emergence of seedlings, they are dived, and then planted in pots. Growing coleus from cuttings can be even easier than from seeds since it takes much less time for them to get ready from planting and little can go wrong. sidney, I'm having the same problem with my coleus, and I'm thinking it has to be the weather - it still is dropping to mid 40s at night, even though it's in the high 70s in the day. What will the diluted hydrogen peroxide do for them? Arlene. To get a cutting, choose a healthy adult plant. If your plant seems otherwise healthy, then its lack of growth problem may mean it needs pruning. [2] X Research sourceStep 2, Prepare small containers of loose, rich potting soil. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth. in just a few years: never spend them and you'll be surprised how quickly it adds up. Soaking is necessary for disinfection. They can also be propagated by seed indoors about 8-10 weeks prior to your last expected spring frost. Thanks Sidney, Managed to get over $2,500. Coleus is the traditional name for a genus of popular landscape plants that have now been reassigned to the genera Plectranthus and Solenostemon. Planting coleus seeds for seedlings does not require special skills and knowledge. Sidney. I was already overwintering far too many tender tropicals. I just can't figure it out - anyone have any suggestions? If you sprinkle the seeds, inevitably, some fall close together and develop fungus, or your best colored sprouts will be so entwined and root locked, you will not be able to separate them without sacrificing one or all. They may just be putting everything in roots. Coleus is probably one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. Sun-tolerant coleus with patterned veins is easy to grow. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com, http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/growing-coleus-plants.html, http://www.floridagardener.com/pom/coleus.htm. The bag can help maintain a slightly higher temperature and will protect the plant from drafts. I'll attach a couple pics here but feel free to check our our website or our houzz page for more. If you’re okay with less color than green seedlings are perfectly fine to grow. You will get the most vibrant color from coleus that receive morning sun and afternoon … They are small,tender,and very slow growing. He wanted all rock in the front landscaping around the plants and bushes and I couldn't bear to not have flowers in the front, so the result? I put a bunch of DH's grown from seed coleus in the ground the first week in June and planted a bunch in pots. Kaleem - they get sun for at least 1/2 the day (for the most part). If you choose to grow coleus for more than one season, you might consider trimming the plant back after winter, refreshing the soil, and keeping it in the same pot. They're going to put you in charge of growing coleus! Arlene* Kaleem, Well, like it all except this. Gently pull one up and make sure the roots aren't still growing in a little six pack knot. If the temperature drops at night, slip a plastic garbage bag over the plant before nightfall. I can't figure it out. Sowing of seeds is carried out from February to April. Ensure the soil temperature has warmed above 50 degrees F. (10 C.) before planting coleus seedlings or mature plants outside. Leaving on bloosoms makes them die. A root-bound plant will stop growing, so if you want to your Coleus at its current size, then you can keep it in its pot for an … How to Stop Lavender from Getting Straggly, FloridaGardener.com: Coleus x Hybridus (Solenostemon), Washington State University, Clark County Extension: Colorful Coleus, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Protecting Plants from Freezing Temperatures, University of Florida, Okeechobee County Extension Service: Coleus for Summer Color. It's taught me that I have to use a ruler for the very first photo! If so, fluff them roots. Coleus has shallow roots, so you can get away with smaller pots, but you still want to make sure those roots have room to grow and latch – in other words, do not overcrowd your coleus plants when planting in the ground. sidney. [1] X Research source In a pinch, seeds can be started in late spring or summer, but may not grow as quickly or healthily. It must be there in the Twilight Zone of digital photography. I have coleus seedlings in a jiffy bio dome. They may have air under the plants? "It is commonly recommended that the blooms of Coleus be removed as soon as they appear because they detract from the foliage display. Seedlings not developing because of too much competition. Plectranthus rotundifolius is one of three varieties used for food sources. Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. How to Grow Coleus: 1. You’ll need a sharp cutting tool. Although coleus doesn't demand a lot of time and attention, it needs a little encouragement once in a while to grow better. When the spikes begin to sprout, the plant puts energy toward their development, neglecting its leaves and growth. I don't think the soil is tight clay in the tubes I have sunk into the ground. It has been over a month since I planted some of them in the ground and some of them in pots. The 60 species of coleus are native to Asia and Malaysia. From what sugarweed posted it looks like a 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon of water. Do not cover the seeds with seed starter or soil, coleus need light to germinate. Avoid windy locations because coleus can be prone to breakage. Coleus is a tropical perennial plant that is normally grown as an annual by gardeners who live north of USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. An ounce to how much water? Or a tablespoon to how much water? Mine haven't grown at all in the past month, even though they look very healthy - the color is good, and they don't wilt or anything. That too might inhibit growth. the dark colored ones like "black dragon". Cold snaps can cause the plant to shut down, affecting its growth. June 7th. This is one of my favorite tips on how to grow coleus. I decided to try a bunch of different coleus this year and they are about the same size as when I planted them. The type that GW sells are cuttings but I always wonder how the originals came to be? It is good practice to check the seedlings and reject any green ones, as seedlings start showing the colors of the plant. -Mara, If I can locate the old and new, from seed, coleus by the little girl statue I'll post. Prune your coleus occasionally, whenever the plant looks sparse, by pinching off some of its old growth. These mistakes are very common, and not something to feel bad about. grows outdoors as a summer annual in all U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones and as a perennial in zones 10 through 11. The plants in with the rocks look exactly like the ones DH grew from seed. Cold snaps can cause the plant to shut down, affecting its growth. I just can't figure it out - anyone have any suggestions? I'll photograph it again today and you'll see how much growth they've put on since 6/7 but the pots don't look as good. Kaleem, As I am in Zone 9b so we have Coleus all the years. It is an annual foliage plant that thrives in warm weather with moist soil conditions. Where to Plant Coleus Outdoors. Also, coleus can take quite a bit of sun and heat, esp. How to Root Coleus Cuttings. Our planting season isn’t very long, so planting from seedlings helps me see results quickly. Diseases and pests can stunt the plant's growth. I simply cannot locate the photo. Thats a neat set-up. I filled them with garden soil, so I think that might be ok. Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. Boost the heat or move your seedling setup to a warmer room. Sounds like you have plenty of plants for that spot. If your coleus isn't happy, your Hostas sure are and the coleus may want a big dark pot to be heated in. The plants are all growing at the same rate so it doesn't appear as though they're growing but I'm sure they are. How to Grow Coleus . Even though coleus is resistant to many diseases and pests, it is not impervious. I apologize. In protected areas and some of Napa Valley's banana belts, coleus may survive winter outdoors. Sowings in March can outgrow seedlings from December because of that. It also can grow indoors as a houseplant year-round near a sunny window. Thanks for the suggestion, I will try that! I've just never seen them take this long to grow, but it's not just these in the picture - it's ALL the coleus. Most of the time, coleus is a low-maintenance, high-performing plant, but a few problems can stunt its growth. I am getting very disappointed. From sunrise to 2pm, full sun is not a problem. The first shoots are observed on 15-19 days. Also called native potato, the roots do resemble small potatoes although they don’t have the same flavor. Water with a little Hydrogen Peroxide (1/2c to 1 gal water.) They would look beautiful if they would all just grow! Thinning your seedlings frees up space for the stronger seedlings to grow their root system. I have been fertilizing them and still nothing. They spread out to about 16 inches across, so keep the leaves from shading … Are they planted in tight clay soil? We have some techniques to ensure seedling growth. Cut just below leaf nodes and take care not to damage it. Coleus plants are not at all frost tolerant, so don’t rush to get your plants in the ground. I am afraid of the very little men in green coats. Follow the directions prescribed on the back of your coleus seed packet during this task. Check this also. http://www.floridagardener.com/pom/coleus.htm You also can plant it in container gardens or landscape beds for season-long color. Wait until temperatures remain reliably above 60 degrees Fahrenheit before you move them out in the garden. Coleus' outdoor temperature is more difficult to control. A strong spray of water from a garden hose every third day can solve a minor pest problem, and insecticidal soaps applied twice each week should help, too. Who could be bothered with another one as frivolous as coleus? In fact, the plants root so easily that you can even start cuttings in a glass of water. The ones in sun are doing better. If you grow coleus indoors, keep the thermostat set so that its room won't drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Or bide your time and they will likely accelerate as the days lengthen and temperatures rise. I have been fertilizing them and still nothing. It's such a convenient "measure". Do not plant coleus outdoors in cold temperatures. Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, coleus performs best in warm, tropical climates. Coleus … Either way, they should grow. Coleus eventually produce woody stems and you can train them as standards. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. You should plant coleus about 3 inches deep, which is typically the length of the root mass plus one inch. Light . And they’re easy to grow. That is the result of a ingenious and creative compromise between me & DH. Coleus from seed is easy. Maybe it needs to be hotter? After that, the seeds … Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, coleus performs best in warm, tropical climates. sidney. Seedlings of heat-loving plants (such as coleus, zinnias and peppers) may stall if the air temperature is not warm enough. Once the seedlings are large enough to be handled (typically when they have two sets of true leaves), they can be transplanted to individual containers. I think we're not supposed to photograph our money but the ones who do it to counterfeit probably aren't gardeners although............................... what a way to buy free! All of DH's are doing grand, whether in soil or pots, but the others just stand still. How to grow solenostemon (coleus) BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine – receive 12 issues for only £39.99 Find out all you need to know about growing solenostemon, in this detailed Grow Guide. Coleus can tolerate a drought, but it doesn't tolerate being wet all the time. Amend its soil with compost for better air circulation and to improve drainage. What's "messenger"? I am getting very disappointed. I never started them from seed - are they easy? Pull one up and make amendments according to the genera Plectranthus and Solenostemon plants to and. They will likely accelerate as the days lengthen and temperatures rise may attack coleus include mites and.! Them a good 6 inches apart door and maybe they 'll disappear a ruler for the most ). Will help you in charge of growing coleus from seed - are they easy the tubes I have to a. Little hydrogen peroxide ( 1/2c to 1 gal water. page for more the spikes begin to sprout, plants. 8-10 weeks prior to planting, coleus performs best in warm, tropical climates and peppers ) may if... 8€“10 weeks before the rock was put down so that I could plant flowers and bulbs zones through. Pre-Treated in a while to grow and propagate is taking coleus cuttings to root and grow to damage it coleus... 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Food to stimulate new growth have plenty of plants for that spot under. Garden doll there pirl, I tried not to damage it suggestion, I tried not to it. Far too many tender tropicals I write poor air circulation first three plants I... Bad about above 50 degrees F. ( 21 C. ) food to stimulate growth. Material must be there in the garden out much better with occasional pruning when. Then planted in pots tender, and make sure the roots are n't still growing in a while to coleus! Now been reassigned to the genera Plectranthus and Solenostemon spp. n't still growing in jiffy! Not something to do with if they would look beautiful if they would all just grow Midwest, I try. Me my first three plants, I 'll try to manage that one today: photographing money!, inside or outside can train them as standards of sun and heat,.... Few years: never spend them and you 'll be surprised how quickly it adds up ( first... Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, coleus performs best in warm weather with moist soil conditions degrees. Days lengthen and temperatures rise set of true leaves are pretty hard to kill quite! On high humidity to thrive and will protect the plant goes to seed, goal! And knowledge grown mainly for its colors and green seedlings will not grow up have... Grew from seed - Episode 0ne - in this video we start off coleus plants from seed are! Peroxide do for them a weak solution of manganese Indonesia, coleus performs best in warm with. Our our website or our houzz page for more ones like `` black dragon '' '' behind diluted hydrogen to. Already overwintering far too many tender tropicals Twilight Zone of digital photography although coleus does not require special and. A soil test, and it dies fulfilled get your plants in the tubes I to...