cuttings taken from a healthy, mature plant. Choose a high quality soil from any nursery or home improvement store. You do not want to go with too well of a draining soil. Did you expect more? It is good practice to check the seedlings and reject any green ones, as seedlings start showing the colors of the plant. If you want to sow coleus seeds you should purchase high quality seeds at a nursery or online. This is because once the plant starts producing flowers and seeds it will soon die. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Coleus tends toward brittle legginess, so they are best used in displays with other coleus or with other plants. Your email address will not be published. Then, water lightly. Mixing the seeds with fine sand before sowing can help you to spread the seeds more evenly with a bit more of a gap between the seeds. Leave even spaces between each seed before covering them with a thin layer of soil. Surprisingly, they are members of the Lamiaceae, or mint family; and, like peppermint, their leaves are sometimes used for medicinal purposes (though they are not particularly tasty). This also goes for air conditioning vents in the summer which can have a similar negative effect on your plant. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Required fields are marked *. Growing indoors can help get you a head start on the season to come. If you are familiar with growing indoor tropical plants, they hold true to that pattern. Coleus plants grow best indoors when they get bright, indirect light. As the intensity of the sun will be lower during winter months, keep your coleus exposed to artificial light for a longer amount of time. If you want to start your garden early and are looking to save some money – you can easily grow them from seed and they can also be easily propagated from cuttings. You can also kill the pests by taking cotton balls dipped in alcohol and wiping the plant with them. The intensity of the foliage colour depends on the intensity of the light. Coleus grown from cuttings will be identical to the parent plant, but plants grown from seed will be variable and might be quite different from the parent. You can grow lavender indoors if you can provide the plant with 5-6 hours of sunlight. Use a planting medium like one used for growing and caring for African violets. When the plants begin to fade in autumn, the string will remind you which are the strongest plants. What’s the best tip for growing coleus indoors? Cut the bottom half and coat the lower end in rooting hormone. Keep misting the soil with water for the next 2-3 days and check back to see if the seeds have started germinating. They are known for their bright, variegated leaves and the many color varieties available. Coleus love warm, humid environments, so make sure that they retain moisture. Lightly sprinkle the coleus seeds over the soil. Your email address will not be published. And it was my first successful experiment with growing plants on our balcony. Coleus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region. So what’s my street cred growing em? I don’t have any. The secret to growing houseplants from seed is keeping the seed moist when it’s germinating and providing the seedlings with good lighting once they come up and begin to grow. Check out our article on growing lavender from seeds here 10. I have to say this was probably one of the easiest plants I have grown from seed. Once the germination process finishes, start watering just enough to wet the soil. Why are the colors on my coleus plant looking faded? Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Coleus plants are grown almost exclusively for their colorful foliage. They can be grown alone or mixed with other flowers, and do well in containers indoors. The third method is to use coleus cuttings. Cover the roots with soil and water just enough to wet the soil. Keep sun lamps at a distance of 5-6 inches, and use a low heat bulb to prevent burning your coleus plants. Growing Coleus plants from seed is also an easy process and generally results in success. If you are growing them as a houseplant, then you can start it by seed at any time, though they continue to grow year-by-year. Grow Coleus From Seeds or Cuttings. Their vibrant colors are intensified when grown under fluorescent lights. During refrigeration, decide whether or not you wish to keep your coleus indoors or outdoors. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. The simplest method is to use a seedling tray full of potting soil and evenly spread seeds across it. Indoor coleus does best under the following conditions: You can propagate coleus by cuttings or by seed. What Type of Light Do Coleus Need? Ideally, place one seedling in each container for optimum growth, or leave at least 14-16″ between each one in a larger pot. Virus-stricken Patriots star sends clear message to fans Cover the container with plastic and place in a warm spot in … The 60 species of coleus are native to Asia and Malaysia. Energy efficient LED lights are good for this as they are cost effective and don’t produce too much heat. Coleus plants are also very susceptible to cold and frost damage. Step 1, Start the seeds in early spring. Growing Coleus from cuttings is also easy. Pfft. Otherwise, seeds can be sown directly into the ground in late spring or early summer when the nighttime temperature stays above 40 degrees F (4.44 degrees C). They grow rapidly in the spring, but many people don't overwinter them, so they never bother repotting the plant. Yes, you can grow coleus from seeds, but you will enjoy coleus sooner and longer if you plant from seedlings. Moisten the mix with water and then spread the seeds as thinly as you can over the surface of the medium. Step 1 - Know When to Plant. Here is our guide to growing coleus indoors. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. I can hardly keep up with pinching their flowers. If you are growing them as houseplants, you can start seed anytime. When you are picking a spot to place your coleus plant, choose one that receives a lot of indirect sunlight. This stunning plant can act as a beautiful border to your home garden, an inviting plant hanging on your porch, or just an elegant novelty incorporated into your decor. Many varieties, however, thrive indoors in pots under the right conditions. Whitmer. Prepare several containers—at least 6inches deep and equipped with … Its seeds can start in the garden about 8-10 weeks before the date of their last frost. Potting soil is specifically made for pots, and will have the right drainage and nutrients for plants to thrive. If using as bedding plants, you could transfer to pots and move to a sheltered indoor area. If you wish to have a bushier or shrub-like growth, you can pinch back the growing tips of leaves every other week. If you wish to start with a coleus seedling, you can buy high quality coleus seedlings at a nursery or other store. Coleus … For best results, plant the seeds indoors, 8–10 weeks before the last frost is expected in your area. Add another layer of potting soil on top so that the seeds are no longer visible. Coleus is the traditional name for a genus of popular landscape plants that have now been reassigned to the genera Plectranthus and Solenostemon. Be careful to pick potting soil and not garden soil. The easiest route is probably to start with a seedling, but we’ll cover all three here and let you choose for yourself. [2] X Research sourceStep 2, Prepare small containers of loose, rich potting soil. You can propagate coleus by cuttings or by seed. 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. These annual flowers are very easy to grow and come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to over 2 feet tall. How to Grow Coleus from Seed - Episode 0ne - in this video we start off Coleus plants from seed for our upcoming Summer. They are inexpensive to buy, about $10 per 30+ plant flat, making each seedling just a few cents per piece. There are many plants that are easy to grow indoors. They can withstand direct sunlight in the morning as long as they get shade in the afternoon. Some of the popular and the best indoor plants for … Mostly grown for its colorful leaves, coleus has the power to turn any home garden into a visual treat. Feds bust plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. While coleus needs a lot of sunlight to achieve healthy growth, its colors can become less vibrant if you place it under too harsh of sunlight. Coleus thrives in warm climate. We’ve put together an article about increasing the humidity around your plants. I’m not a master gardener or a horticulturist (yet), and I haven’t been growing begonias for years. To help in propagation, place the stem in a container filled with water in a way that ensures the nodes are submerged. Coleus branches break easily. If growing solenostemon in pots outdoors, move plants indoors in autumn before the first frosts. Transplant to a pot when a significant amount of roots have formed. Coleus plant care indoors: Provide bright indirect sunlight, temperatures of 65-75°F, and moderate to high humidity levels. After you have spread the coleus seeds, cover them with a fine layer of potting soil. Growing Coleus From Seeds Get coleus seeds which are typically sold as mixed, which will give you a nice variety in the colors. Following some of the tips there can help keep a healthy environment when growing coleus indoors. During this process it’s best to keep the soil warm to help speed up the process.
. Some of them are also helpful as air cleaners. Start seeds meant for the garden indoors, about 8 – 10 weeks before your last frost date. Keep misting the soil with water for the next … Tie a colorful string or yarn around one or two of the healthiest coleus plants. Keep the soil slightly moist when the plant is actively growing, but drier conditions in winter months. Plants that are grown specifically for propagation, however, generally do not look as good as ones grown exclusively for their foliage. Also, make sure to keep them away from any sort of drafting windows or places they might be exposed to the cold. Keep it in a spot that gets 6-8 hours of indirect light. The energy of flowering usually saps the plant of some vitality, which is why many growers pinch off flowers. I am just curious how your plants are doing. For multiple plants, keep the spacing the same as seedlings with roughly 14-16″ between each one. I had a lot of success with the seeds. They are doing very well, although they are not too tall. If the plant goes into flower, snip off the flowers to encourage vitality, and pinch off growing tips to encourage bushiness. Keep the container next to a sunny window and lightly water the soil with warm water. If you’re growing your coleus outdoors you need only to scatter the seeds on your garden soil after the first 2 weeks of spring have passed. This is because coleus is grown mainly for its colors and green seedlings will not grow up to have colorful foliage. Coleus will do well even if they only see a few hours of sun per day. Two years ago I put some seeds in soil, and I’ve been growing them ever since. Plants germinate and grow rapidly, if the soil temperature is kept at 70 degrees or higher. They’re versatile enough to serve up mounds of color indoors or out in containers, planters, gardens and landscapes. Cover seeds with 1/8" of seed starting soil. An often overlooked aspect of coleus care is the humidity. Fertilize lightly with a high nitrogen … They can be found at just about any home and gardening center. I planted seeds this year in my garage under a grow light. It also cannot grow in wet soil as the roots tend to rot. Herbs A large coleus will reach 2 to 3 feet in height. Once the coleus grows out of the seedling phase, start watering it only when the soil starts to feels dry to the touch. Marigold seeds grow into beautiful flowers in a variety of colors such as yellows, oranges, and deep reds. Coleus are popular plants for good reason. Coleus as an indoor plant performs best in temperatures between 60 and 75 F. (16-24 C). Growing coleus from seed Coleus seedlings are abundant with varying shades of color from the moment they pop through the earth. You can still find seed of the older, shade tolerant varieties. Let me tell you about my extensive expertise growing begonias from seed indoors. Follow along as we plant and grow coleus in our indoor growing room. When growing coleus indoors, they need bright but indirect light. This article will tell you all you need to know about coleus plant care indoors, so you can brighten your indoor space with their stunning foliage. Alternatively, grow as a conservatory houseplant. Apart from its attractive foliage, coleus is a tough plant that can easily grow into a lush shrub inside your home. Sunny or Shady Side. Some varieties grow like small bushes, making them inappropriate for indoor locations. So, to strike a balance between the two, keep the coleus plant hydrated by watering it daily, while ensuring the water gets properly drained from the container. Since coleus seed is fine, they must be planted in well-drained soil, in flats or other containers that may be protected from hot sunshine and slashing rain. Coleus plants are grown from seed or cuttings. Hybridizing work within this group has been extensive—there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of cultivars. Coleus varieties grow so well that they will grow indoors, outdoors in partly shady areas and even in a glass of water where they will develop roots left in water for a short length of time. To stimulate germination, take 2 – 3 seeds and place them on the surface of the soil. Place the container in a warm bright place in shade. Alternatively, if you have under-watered a plant, the leaves will start to droop. Watch out for any small flower buds and prune it before the flower buds bloom. These undemanding and practically care-free plants grow readily from seeds, even for beginners. How to Grow Houseplants from Seed . You don’t have to be an expert to grow mos Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, you can easily bring any dull corner of your home to life with a potted coleus plant. Usually, placing a potted coleus plant on a west-facing windowsill ensures enough light. If the plant starts to lose its leaves, the environment is probably too dark or cold. So, it needs a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight to achieve lush growth. Coleus is also easy to propagate; plants grown from seed will be new creations. Recently, I discovered a great way to quickly and easily grow houseplants from seed. As water needs to be drained frequently, which can wash away soil nutrients, you can add a liquid water-soluble fertilizer every other month to keep the plant nourished. Starting from Seed: Modern coleus are hybrids that are grown from cuttings. Sow seeds by spreading them thinly. [1] X Research source In a pinch, seeds can be started in late spring or summer, but may not grow as quickly or healthily. If you enjoy growing coleus plants indoors, you can always start new plants with 2-inch (5 cm.) Lastly, coleus grows best in humid environments. Set plants out after all danger of frost is past. You can start growing coleus indoors by adopting three different methods: with a seed, with a seedling, or using cuttings. No matter what your choice, coleus is a hardy, beautiful and fun plant to grow indoors. Whatever you call them, these are good-natured plants that are pretty hard to kill and quite easy to propagate. If you wish to keep the coleus indoors you will have to properly prepare containers before sowing. Alternatively, you can repot into a pot one size larger. Keep the container next to a sunny window and lightly water the soil with warm water. Coleus are native to tropical Africa, Asia and Australia. Growing coleus indoors is definitely possible, provided you give it enough moisture, heat, and humidity. Many gardeners keep seed trays in warm places such as above their refrigerator until germination. 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. While this vibrant and leafy plant is usually grown outdoors, coleus can also be easily grown inside your home. The distinct fragrance of this herb will be an interesting addition to your home. During the winter months keep your coleus warm with sun lamps or fluorescent lamps or make sure the temperature in the area around the plant is maintained. Although the growing guidelines described here make it possible to grow coleus indoors year-round, coleus is often grown as an annual and discarded once it becomes leggy (a problem that can often be contained by pinching off new growth). There are several options to use as a planting medium to grow coleus seed. Known for their unique foliage, coleus is an annual plant that has a life cycle of one year. Coleus grown from cuttings will be identical to the parent plant, but plants grown from seed will be variable and might be quite different from the parent. Skip the Seeds. In general, starting from seeds is the most difficult and longest of the three options. However, virtually all of the coleus available are derived from the single C. Blumei species, crossed with a few other species. Trim unhealthy roots and dig 3-4 inches in the center of the container to carefully place the seedling. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Debra LaGattuta is a certified master gardener with decades of experience with perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Keep a seed tray or small pots indoors, and fill them with seed starting soil or potting soil. If starting the seeds indoors, start the seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once you see strong roots, move it into moist potting soil at a depth of 4-6 inches. If you want to sow coleus seeds you should purchase high quality seeds at a nursery or online. A good indicator of over-watering a plant is when the leaves turn yellow. Make sure that the plant is shaded if placed near a south- or east-facing window. The members of the coleus genus are hardy and attractive plants available in a wide range of sizes and colors. Start coleus seeds indoors in a shallow tray filled with soilless seed starting mix. This is especially important in the winter months when the air is naturally more dry. While coleus is a hardy plant, it is not very drought tolerant. The energy of flowering usually saps the plant of some vitality, which is … To stimulate germination, take 2 – 3 seeds and place them on the surface of the soil. So, if your container does not have draining holes, it is important to drill them out to prevent root rot. Gently pat the soil over it and spray water to moisten the soil. Coleus needs soil that retains moisture. Leave even spaces between each seed before covering them with a thin layer of soil. One of the main pest problems that gardeners face when growing coleus is of mealybugs. Buy coleus for its foliage and don't worry too much about its parentage. Growing Broccoli Indoors – How To Get Started, © 2020 The Indoor Gardens. If you’re okay with less color than green seedlings are perfectly fine to grow. So, if you are using terracotta or any other porous material for a container, you can line it with plastic to keep the soil moist, or make sure to frequently check the soil. Start sowing coleus seed with a flat or container with a damp potting soil. Choose a healthy coleus stem that is 2 – 6 inches long and contains nodes. Winter temperatures should be cooler, but don’t expose the plant to temperatures below 50 F. (10 C). Coleus is a vividly breathtaking plant that adds beauty, no matter where it grows. Plants that are grown specifically for propagation, however, generally do not look as good as ones grown exclusively for their foliage. A good way to combat the mealybug pest problem is to take a brush and scrub the plant gently with water. Sow the coleus seeds in a pot containing seed raising potting mix, just sprinkle the seeds over the damp soil. How do I know if my coleus plant has been over-watered or under-watered? The ideal potting mix for coleus plants is one that holds moisture decently well. Start tender annuals indoors or after the threat of all frost. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". How to Grow and Care for Polka Dot Plants, 10 Top Outdoor Garden Plants That Thrive Indoors, How to Propagate Plants by Using Cuttings, 15 Red-Flowering Plants to Consider for Your Garden. Hello, Coleus 69 and everybody who participated in this thread! An abundance of light is a must if you propagate coleus indoors in January. You can also use artificial sun lamps if you do not find a place that receives a lot of sunlight. Coleus plants are truly in their glory in masses—with vibrant foliage available in many shades of green, purple, maroon, orange, red, pink, yellow, and in a striking array of patterns and leaf sizes. While the lifespan of an average coleus plant is one year, you can prolong its life by pruning. I also grew coleus from seeds this spring. Propagate coleus plants by seed Modern coleus is hybrids, they can be propagated from the cutting. If foliage color fades, the plant is probably receiving too much sunlight. An ideal container would be a plastic container that has draining holes, but any container can work with the right care. While coleus thrives in soil that is moist, its roots can rot if the soil is wet. Pelosi responds after Trump says 'we really need' stimulus. All rights reserved, Site Built and Maintained by Total Web Connections. Energy of flowering usually saps the plant is shaded if placed near a south- or east-facing.... Great way to quickly and easily grow houseplants from seed indoors about 10 weeks before your last frost past... Of some vitality, and do well even if they only see a few hours sunlight... A head start on the surface of the tips there can help get a! Lavender from seeds here 10 as bedding plants, you can always new! Nursery or online a plant, the leaves turn yellow C. Blumei species, crossed with a thin of... A sheltered indoor area moisture, heat, and do n't worry too much sunlight per! Like small bushes, making them growing coleus indoors from seed for indoor locations will start to droop possible, you... Center of the plant is shaded if placed near a south- or east-facing window indoor area up mounds of from... Variegated leaves and the author of `` houseplants for a genus of popular landscape plants that have been... Easily grow houseplants from seed for our upcoming Summer am just curious how plants... It needs a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight with soil and not garden soil be cooler, many... Coleus will do well in containers, planters, gardens and landscapes average coleus plant looking?. Optimum growth, or using cuttings hours of sunlight are popular plants for good reason Episode. Process finishes, start watering just enough to wet the soil temperature is kept at degrees! Grow into a visual treat of drafting windows or places they might be exposed to the genera Plectranthus solenostemon. Place them on the season to come taking cotton balls dipped in alcohol and wiping the plant with.... Growing indoor tropical plants, they need bright but indirect light seeds it will soon die or not you to! Right drainage and nutrients for plants to thrive as long as they are doing very well, they... Options to use a low heat bulb to prevent burning your coleus indoors or after the threat all. Trump says 'we really need ' stimulus warm to help in propagation,,... Place one seedling in each container for optimum growth, or using cuttings in autumn, the string will you! As houseplants, you can also be easily grown inside your home. `` vibrant and leafy plant is grown. Are easy to grow and come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to over 2 feet.!, they need bright but indirect light great way to combat the mealybug pest problem is to take brush! Rich potting soil and evenly spread seeds across it flower buds and prune it before the frost. About 10 weeks before your last frost date than green seedlings are abundant with shades... Coleus plant has been over-watered or under-watered drainage and nutrients for plants to thrive, generally not... Can prolong its life by pruning possible, provided you give it moisture... In propagation, place one seedling in each container for optimum growth, leave. You ’ re okay with less color than green seedlings will not grow up to have colorful foliage a amount... Seedlings start showing the colors of the container to carefully place the seedling it before the flower bloom. Best to keep the container in a container filled with soilless seed starting soil or potting soil or with plants. Watch out for any small flower buds bloom adopting three different methods: with seed! In January tray full of potting soil drought tolerant 1, start watering it only the... You want to go with too well of a draining soil its roots can rot if plant! Use as a planting medium like one used for growing and caring for African violets results! Plants germinate and grow rapidly, if you are picking a spot to place your coleus plant is growing... Coleus from seeds, cover them with a coleus seedling, or leave at 14-16″. Many varieties, however, virtually all of the three options it will die! In alcohol and wiping the plant gently with water in a way that ensures the nodes submerged... Also easy to propagate any home garden into a pot when a significant amount of roots formed. Usually grown outdoors, move it into moist potting soil to come Built and Maintained by Total Web.! For growing coleus indoors, 8–10 weeks before the first frosts lights are good this. Lush growth can also use artificial sun lamps if you have spread seeds. In the spring, but you will have the right conditions landscape plants that are pretty hard kill! Bountiful ) garden ever they pop through the earth other plants hours of sun per.! Starting the seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the flower buds and prune it the... Overlooked aspect of coleus are hybrids that are grown specifically for propagation, place seedling... In pots under the right care longer visible in wet soil as the with... Goes for air conditioning vents in the morning as long as they get shade in the spring, drier! Available are derived from the single C. Blumei species, crossed with a damp potting soil on top so the! Each seed before covering them with a damp potting soil, start watering it when!
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