- Location: Full Sun to full shade
- Water: High
- Growth Habit: Trailing
Planting Instructions：Start your seeds indoors eight to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. You’ll need seed trays or small containers, and a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
Fill your seed flats or containers with potting mix and place three or four of the tiny seeds on top of the soil. They need light to germinate, so gently press them into the potting mix, but do not cover.
You may need to use a heat mat, as coleus seeds require a consistent temperature of 70-75°F to germinate. Place in a sunny windowsill and if desired, you can cover the tray with a humidity cover or plastic. If you use a humidity cover, make sure the seeds receive indirect light as direct sunshine will cause the seeds to cook.
Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged. To prevent the seeds from washing away, you can use a spray bottle or plant mister to gently water the soil.
After seven to 14 days, seeds will germinate, and at this point you can remove the humidity cover, if using. Thin the seedlings so that there is one plant per seed flat or container. Keep the seedlings in a sunny location and maintain even moisture in the soil.
When they have two sets of true leaves, or are about two to three inches tall, transplant them from your seed flats to three- to four-inch individual containers. Continue to provide even moisture, and never allow the soil to dry out.
After they have at least six sets of true leaves, or are about six inches tall, you can gently pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushy growth.
When all risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them into the garden or a permanent container, as described below.
If you’re in Zones 9-11, you can start your seeds outdoors. Wait until all danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures are in the 60s.
Prepare your planting location by digging up the top layer of soil and adding some potting mix on which to place the seeds. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, and when seedlings have one set of true leaves, thin to six to 10 inches apart.
Growing Tips:
Plant in a part to full shade location that receives some morning sun
Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Pinch growing tips and flower buds to encourage bushy growth
