A perennial flower grown as a
tender annual, coleus is loved for its dramatically variegated leaves in shades
of green, red, yellow, and white. Bothe shapes are markings and the shapes of
the leaves vary from variety to variety and can be effective in mixture or in
plantings of one color. They are often used in planters, pots and window boxes
as well as in beds. Tall varieties grow as tall as three feet, shorter ones as
low as six inches. Well, to grow coleus, it is best to buy started plants in
the colors and leaf from you desire. Growing coleus from seed is slow. If you
want to try it, sow indoors as early as ten weeks before the last expected
frost. Sprinkle the tiny seeds on top of the soil and gently press them into it
rather than covering them, and keep the soil moist and war during germination. Transplant
seedlings into the permanent location after danger of frost have passed. Coleus
plants should be spaced at least a foot apart; they can grow quite broad. Young
plants can be pinched to make them compact and bushy. A Warm weather plant,
coleus can grow in full sun in some climates, but part shade will prevent
wilting in hot weather and produce stronger colors. Light mulch will help keep
the soil moist, but don’t mound the mulch around the plants stems.
