Let’s Grow Some Coleus! A Beginner’s Guide to Starting from Seed
Hey there, plant lovers! Are you ready to add a kaleidoscope of color to your garden or home? Then get ready to fall in love with coleus! These vibrant, easy-to-grow plants are a total showstopper with their dazzling leaves that come in every shade imaginable.
Sure, you can find coleus plants at your local nursery, but trust me – growing them from seed is where the real fun begins! It’s super satisfying, much easier than you might think, and a fantastic way to create a stunning collection without breaking the bank.
Ready to dive in? I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know, from picking out your seeds to nurturing your mature plants. Get ready to unleash your inner gardener and watch these beauties flourish!
What are Coleus, Anyway?
Coleus (technically Solenostemon scutellarioides, but we can just stick with coleus, right?) belongs to the fabulous mint family. Originally from Southeast Asia and Australia, these plants have charmed their way into gardens around the globe.
The magic is all in the leaves! They’re like little works of art, painted with splashes of green, red, pink, purple, yellow – you name it!
The best part? Coleus are super forgiving, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. They’re happy in both sunny and partly shady spots and don’t mind a little dryness now and then. With just a bit of love, you’ll be rewarded with a riot of color!
Why Seed? It’s a Blast!
Okay, so why should you grow coleus from seed? Let me tell you, it’s addictive!
- Budget-Friendly Beauty: Let’s be honest, buying tons of plants can get pricey. Seeds are a super affordable way to get a whole bunch of coleus! I’ve even had great luck with those bargain seed packets – you never know what colorful surprises you might get!
- Variety is the Spice of Life: Growing from seed lets you choose exactly the types of coleus you want. No more settling for whatever’s available at the store!
- The Joy of Growing: There’s something so special about watching tiny seeds sprout and grow into vibrant plants. It’s a magical process that brings a huge sense of accomplishment!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gather your supplies, and let’s get planting! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Coleus seeds: The stars of the show!
- Seed starting mix: This is a special blend that’s perfect for tiny seedlings. A good potting mix will also work!
- Seed starting containers or pots: Small pots or trays with drainage holes are ideal.
- Potting mix: You’ll need this later for transplanting the seedlings into bigger pots.
- Watering can or spray bottle: Gentle watering is key!
- Grow lights (optional): If you don’t have a sunny spot, grow lights will help your seedlings thrive.
- Heat mat (optional): A little warmth can speed up germination.
- Plant labels: Trust me, you’ll want to label your different varieties!
Timing is Everything
When should you start those seeds? The best time to start coleus seeds indoors is about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This gives your little plants plenty of time to grow strong before they head outside.
If you live in a warm climate, you can also sow coleus seeds directly in the garden in the spring, but make sure the soil is nice and warm (at least 60°F).
I’ve even heard stories of people scattering seeds from their existing coleus plants and having them sprout the following spring. Unfortunately, I haven’t tried that yet so I am not sure about the success of it.
Let’s Get Planting!
Here’s how to give your coleus seeds the best possible start:
- Fill: Fill your seed starting trays or pots with seed starting mix.
- Sow: Gently press the seeds into the soil. Don’t bury them – they need light to germinate!
- Water: Moisten the soil thoroughly. To avoid washing away those tiny seeds, water from the bottom or mist, allowing the potting mix to soak up the water.
- Cover: Cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to create a moist environment.
- Warmth and Light: Place the trays or pots in a warm, bright spot. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70-75°F.
- Patience: The seeds should sprout in about 10-14 days.
- Remove Cover: Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic wrap or humidity dome.
- Keep it Moist: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Label, Label, Label! Once the seedlings sprout, be sure to label your containers if you are growing different varieties.
Time to Transplant!
Once your seedlings have their first “true” leaves (these leaves look like the adult plant’s leaves, not the simple seed leaves), they’re ready for their own pots! (Usually four to six weeks from germination depending on growing conditions.)
- Fill pots: Fill your pots with potting mix and water the soil.
- Make a Hole: Create a hole in the soil that’s big enough for the seedling’s roots.
- Gently Remove: Carefully remove the seedling from its tray or pot.
- Place: Place the seedling in the hole and gently backfill with soil.
- Water Again: Give it another watering.
- Bright, Warm Location: Pop the transplanted seedlings in a bright, warm spot and water them regularly. Not too much!
Happy Coleus = Happy Gardener
Once your coleus plants are in their own pots, they’re pretty low-maintenance. Just give them:
- Light: Full sun or partial shade (depending on the variety).
- Water: Regular watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizer: Feed every week with a quarter-strength organic liquid fertilizer to give them a boost.
- Pinching: Pinch back the growing tips of the plants to encourage them to become bushier and fuller.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat them right away.
- Winter Protection: If you live in a cold climate, bring your coleus plants indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F.
A Few of My Favorite Coleus Varieties
Want some inspiration? Here are a few coleus varieties that I love to grow from seed:
- Black Dragon Coleus: These guys are easy to grow and so exotic looking. The hot and humid gardens love them. They have beautiful velvety reds that are sure to catch some eyes.
- Rainbow Coleus: So many colors in one plant. All of the colors will compliment each other in the garden.
- Chocolate Covered Cherry Coleus: Chocolate covered cherry has the most radiant combinations of colors in their leaves. They are sure to be a statement to any area they are in
Growing coleus from seed is an amazing and rewarding experience. You get to have a lot of different looking plants to put in your garden for the cost of a seed packet. What’s not to love?
FAQs about Coleus Seeds
Q: How long do coleus seeds take to germinate?
A: Coleus seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days.
Q: Can I grow coleus in full sun?
A: Some varieties can tolerate full sun, but most prefer partial shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves.
Q: How often should I water my coleus plants?
A: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How Do I propagate my coleus plants?
A: Click here!
Time to get your hands dirty and start growing your own vibrant coleus collection! Happy gardening!