How to Sow Dwarf Coleus Rainbow Seeds
Growing Coleus Rainbow Mix plants from seeds offers a delightful and rewarding gardening experience. These hardy annuals boast stunning, vibrant foliage that can brighten up your garden or indoor spaces throughout the year. With their easy germination and low-maintenance nature, Dwarf coleus is an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. These plants thrive in well-drained, moist soil, so ensure proper watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Whether you choose to grow them in pots, containers, windowsills, or borders, provide them with partial shade to protect their leaves from the intense sun. While coleus flowers can add charm to the plants, for an emphasis on the colorful foliage, it’s recommended to shade the leaves from bright sunlight in the evenings to enhance their vibrant hues. By carefully tending to these beautiful coleus plants, you can enjoy an enchanting display of color in your garden or indoor space.
Growing Coleus Plants from Seeds
- Temperature: Coleus plants prefer warm temperatures between 70°F (21°C) and 76°F (24°C). Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the growing process. Seeds will germinate above 16 degrees, however 21 is the minimum recommended temperature.
- Soil: Coleus plants prefer moist, well-drained soil. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Will grow in well drained soil, potting mix, compost or a seed starting mix.
- Sowing Depth: Sow the coleus rainbow mix seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch (3-4 mm) in well-drained, moist soil or seed starting mix.
- Light Requirements: Coleus seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Gently press the seeds onto the surface of the soil or seed starting mix.
- Germination Period: Keep the seeds consistently moist by misting them lightly with water. Place the seeds in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
- Germination Time: Coleus seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Be patient and ensure the soil remains moist during this period.
- Transplanting: Once the first two sets of true leaves have formed, which is usually around 10 weeks after sowing the seeds, it’s time to transplant the coleus seedlings. Choose a location with partial shade for optimal growth and vibrant leaf color.
- Spacing: If you plan to transplant the seedlings, space them at least 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart to provide sufficient room for growth.
Coleus Plant Care Instructions:
- Watering: Water the plants deeply when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Adjust the frequency of watering based on the weather conditions and moisture retention of the soil.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper dosage.
- Pinching: Pinch back the growing tips of the coleus plants early on to promote a bushier habit. This will result in a fuller plant with more colorful foliage.
- Flower Removal: To maximize the color and vibrancy of the foliage, promptly remove any flowers that appear. This encourages the plant to put more energy into leaf production rather than flowering.
Sunlight Requirements: While coleus plants appreciate bright light, too much direct sunlight can fade the vibrant colors of the leaves. Provide partial shade or filtered sunlight to protect the foliage from excessive sun exposure. - Overwintering: Coleus plants are usually grown as annuals in the UK because they cannot tolerate frost. However, if you wish to overwinter them, bring potted coleus plants indoors before the first frost and place them in a well-lit, warm location.
