Coleus Growing Guide

Coleus scutellarioides

Coleus

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil or roomy containers that hold moisture well.

Position

Partial shade.

Frost tolerant

None. Coleus cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Companions

Coleus steals the show with its showy foliage. It combines very well with impatiens, another warm-season annual flower.

Spacing

Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow tiny coleus seeds atop moist seed starting mix and gently press them into the surface. Most gardeners buy coleus seedlings, many of which are grown from rooted cuttings.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Coleus leaves are often splashed with shades of pink and red that can be used to echo the blossom colors of nearby flowers. Stem tip cuttings are easy to root in moist potting soil or plain water.

Harvesting

Pinch back plants in early summer to encourage the development of new branches. Also clip off flower spikes to prolong the life of the plants.

Troubleshooting

Whiteflies are occasional pests outdoors. When coleus are brought indoors to grow as houseplants, they may attract mealybugs.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Coleus