How to Care for the Coleus Plant
Coleus is an annual or tender perennial that provides vibrant foliage that lasts until the first frost. Most varieties tolerate direct sun or shade, which makes it a good choice for the beginner or advanced gardener. It can be started from seed or transplanted and makes a beautiful house plant. The different selections available make this plant a top pick. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Coleus plant or coleus seeds
- 20-20-20 plant food
- planter, hanging basket or moist soil outdoors
Instructions
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Starting from seed. If you're starting coleus from seed, you can grow transplants indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Soil needs to be kept at 70 degrees or warmer for seeds to germinate.
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Plant transplants in the spring. The soil must be warm for coleus to grow so don't plant too early because a late frost could kill your plant. Coleus can grow in fertile to poor soil as long as its moist and well-drained. Depending on the variety, sun and shade are tolerated by this vibrant plant.
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The Coleus plant needs a medium to high supply of water but will come back after wilting. You should also frequently fertilize with a 20-20-20 plant food, especially if your coleus is a house plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Pinching stems often will encourage branching and removing flower buds ensures vigorous growth.
When planted in a planter or hanging basket, coleus makes an excellent full plant indoors or outdoors.
Color rarely fades on the coleus, which is another attribute of this beautiful plant.
Strong, indirect sunlight or filtered shade is best for these plants.
A late frost will kill coleus.
