1. This post may contain affiliate links. Place in a sunny windowsill and if desired, you can cover the tray with a … Start indoors 6-8 weeks before average last frost in your area. To do this, follow simple rules and recommendations. Space the seedlings 12 to 20 inches apart, or closer for dwarf cultivars. okay I know this is about coleus but I have a thought about that little space by the window. Keep plants moist–mulching is a good idea to help with this. Brief description:  Coleus is a perfect ornamental annual for shady areas. coleus light requirements. I do about 75 pots on our large deck every year and it has been many years since I had to plant any since they self sow so readily. Solenostemon scutellarioides. Coleus are a snap to grow, too. Planting season, it’s nearly here! Make sure that your tropical plants are not placed in a cold draft. The soil temperature should be kept between 70-75 degrees for quickest germination (10-15 … The amount of light needed for each seed to germinate, however, is scarcely noted on the packets. It takes 10 days or more for the seeds to germinate. Do not cover the seeds with seed starter or soil, coleus need light to germinate. When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Some seeds actually germinate best when exposed to light; if these seeds are covered with soil, chances are that they will never sprout. Look for a spot where the plant gets bright morning sunlight but indirect light during the afternoon. Be sure to monitor water levels carefully. Some gardeners prefer to start their seeds in a sterilized, soil-less mix because it allows the seeds more access to light and air. Also, how many coleus did you plant in the square garden container with the trellis? Coleus questions! Sow coleus seeds in small, individual pots containing seed starting medium. Press the seeds onto the surface of the soil, but don't bury them. I”t could even hold a large poster of ships in a harbor or a lobster. They germinate best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Growing coleus from seeds gives you access to a wide range of possibilities. Work a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil and then smooth the surface of the soil before planting. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food and Flowers! When the seedlings emerge, thin them to 12 to 20 inches apart, or closer for dwarf varieties. You can grow from seed. The ideal spot for a Coleus Plant is one that receives afternoon shade and morning sun. Choose the right soil. Seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover the seeds too much. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. The seeds are very small, so it's best to pre-moisten the soil so that you don't rinse the seeds down into medium when you water. Light Requirement. Coleus plants kept in containers can be fed a liquid fertilizer once a month throughout spring and summer. Very often it is seeds that self-sow that require light. Remove spent blooms, dead or dying leaves, and cut back any stems that are sick or unsightly. You can cut and promote. Your email address will not be published. Coleus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Coleus seeds need light to germinate. And I’m excited. These plants, such as balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) and poppies, drop their seeds on the soil and they germinate where they land. There are two ways to grow coleus 1. Second. However, some species (e.g., Begonia, Primula, Coleus) need light to germinate (Miles and Brown 2007). Do not cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. And for any color, too … If your Coleus plants are growing in the ground, then a … Balance Water and Light. Coleus are very easy to grow from seed and it’s fun to see the different colors of plants that will grow from one packet of seeds. After sowing these seeds, lightly press them into the germination medium, but do not cover them. Set plants out after all danger of frost is past. Light can affect leaf color on coleus plants For the most part, coleus with red and orange leaves tolerate all-day full sun. The best care tip is to avoid sudden changes in temperature and protect them from frost. Moisten the soil to a depth of several inches and then press the seeds onto the surface of the soil, but don't bury them. Where to Plant Coleus:  Plant coleus in raised beds, garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, as indoor house plants, etc. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Water. You may need to supplement available light with artificial lights during the winter. If you are starting them outdoors, wait until 1-2 weeks after the last frost. Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. That way, you can be sure you’ll be giving your plants the right light exposure in the garden. Anyone can do this. The culture is not picky and does not require special care. Copyright © 2020 One Hundred Dollars a Month - Disclosure Policy - Design by Sharon Hujik, Mavis Garden Blog - Espalier Trees, Pallet Gardening, Kale Starts and More, Growing Vegetables in a Greenhouse - Spinach, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Strawberries and Tomatoes, Gothenburg Botanical Garden - Desert Life Exhibit. Seeds germinate best in a humid environment. Water the plant thoroughly after planting. Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Don't confuse seed light requirements with what seedlings need. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun. Germination: 10-15 days. You can start the seeds outdoors in USDA zones 9 and warmer any time the soil temperature is consistently 70 degrees or warmer. Rules for growing Coleus from seeds at home To grow coleus from seeds is possible even for an amateur. Coleus is a popular ornamental culture from the family Yasnotkovye (Labrettes). Therefore, even a novice gardener can grow a coleus from seeds at home. Coleus seeds need light and warmth to germinate. You could even make a puggle spot bench with a mirror over it to reflect the light around the house. Plan to sow them indoors, eight to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. I also keep them in a windowsill, or as close to an E/W/S window as possible. Coleus is easy to root in a glass of water, but these cuttings will look exactly like the parent plant. Coleus plants need temperatures of between 65°F and 75°F (24°C – 27°C). Curious how many seeds you plant in each pot, and do you thin them? 2. Coleus seeds need light to germinate, they must be planted on top of the soil. If they bloom they tend to become leggy. Raising coleus from seed is relatively easy. Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-75ºF. I just watch for the seedlings and carefully lift them out and put them where I want them for the year. However, the seeds are cheap and easy to obtain. Grow coleus as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 through 12, or as an annual in any zone. I also pinch cuttings and root them in water if I need more plants. AFAIK, Coleus seeds need light to germinate. Coleus adds colorful foliage and a wide range of shapes and colors to shady parts of the garden. Press the seeds into light soil, but don’t cover them, as coleus seeds need light to germinate. Coleus seeds require light for germination so hopefully you didn't cover them. Cover your trays with plastic domes if you have them, and set the trays somewhere that’s between 70-75°F. 4 Comments. Sow seeds on top of damp soil or seed starting mix, press them gently into the soil and do not cover. If you are starting them outdoors, wait until 1-2 weeks after the last frost. I first started growing coleus about 10 years ago when Mrs. HB and I were neighbors. Most seeds germinate best under dark conditions and might even be inhibited by light (e.g., Phacelia and Allium spp.). Watch the plant closely. Coleus seeds take 7 to 14 to germinate and grow slowly at first. If the window is facing North how about a collection of African violets and their cousins. I like a full look but never know whether to follow the recommended spacing or not. The plant will quickly produce more. When plants are 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 6″-12″. Annual. 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