How to Grow Coleus

Planting

Coleus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region.
Set plants out after all danger of frost is past.
Choose a spot that is protected from wind. ...
Coleus needs well-draining soil.
Water the plant thoroughly after planting.

Does coleus like sun or shade?
Where does coleus grow best?
How do you take care of coleus?
Do coleus come back every year?
How often do you water coleus?
What is the best fertilizer for coleus?
Why is my coleus not growing?
How long do coleus plants live for?
Do coleus plants spread?
How do I make my coleus more colorful?
Should I cut the flowers off my coleus?
Is Coleus poisonous to dogs?

Does coleus like sun or shade?

Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.

Where does coleus grow best?

Growing Coleus Plants

Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun.

How do you take care of coleus?

Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won't tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Fill your container with well-draining soil and fertilize moderately. Be careful not to over fertilize, though, or your coleus in pots may lose their brilliant color. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist.

Do coleus come back every year?

Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones. Cannas are reliably hardy in the ground outside from around Zone 7 and upward (warmer.) ... Here in the Chicagoland area, zone 5, Coleus is grown as an annual.

How often do you water coleus?

In hot months, coleus plants grown in pots outdoors will need watering once or twice a day. If grown indoors, watering every two or three days is usually sufficient unless the air inside your home or grow space is especially dry.

What is the best fertilizer for coleus?

At the early stages of growth, coleus root development can be affected by high salts. A good target for EC in the root media is below 1.0 mS/cm. Keep ammonium nitrogen levels in the root zone less than 10 ppm by choosing high-nitrate-based fertilizers like, 13-2-13, 16-2-15 or 15-5-15.

Why is my coleus not growing?

Diseases and pests can stunt the plant's growth. Poor drainage is the biggest threat because it causes root rot. Coleus can tolerate a drought, but it doesn't tolerate being wet all the time. ... If the plant is in a pot, then repot it in a container with more drainage holes and in a mixture of peat and perlite.

How long do coleus plants live for?

In a frost-free area, coleus normally lives for several years. In USDA zones 10 through 11, the winter is mild enough to plant coleus in the ground. Coleus appreciates moist soil that drains well. Keep it out of intense sun, as it easily scalds.

Do coleus plants spread?

Do not crowd coleus close together. They spread out to about 16 inches across, so keep the leaves from shading each other by planting at least 12 inches away from each other in the garden. Some coleus prefer bright sun, but most do best and achieve the most vivid color in partial shade.

How do I make my coleus more colorful?

Morning sun and afternoon shade is the rule of thumb for any coleus. But breeders have been introducing lots of sun-tolerant varieties that can take a lot more light than many of the older hybrids. Most have “solar” or “sun” in their names, and sport brighter reds and more vivid greens in their foliage.

Should I cut the flowers off my coleus?

Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance; don't leave a stub. Some gardeners leave the small flowers, but it's best to pinch them off to direct more energy into stem and foliage growth. Coleus left to flower may lose vigor as the plant puts energy into seed production.

Is Coleus poisonous to dogs?

Causes of Coleus Poisoning in Dogs

The cause of coleus poisoning is exposure to or consumption of any part of the coleus. The essential oils are toxic to dogs and other small animals and children and are quickly absorbed through the skin, causing intense irritation and central nervous system abnormalities.