Planting and Growing Coleus in Summer Gardens

This Colorful Annual Plant is Easy to Grow in Almost Any Yard

Apr 4, 2009

Coleus add a stunning splash of color to your landscape, flower beds, borders or containers. This versitle plant is often grown in shade but many are sun tolerant.

Coleus plants can be found in garden centers in late spring. For an early and economical start to your spring garden, start coleus seeds indoors six to eight weeks before you want to plant them.

Starting Coleus From Seed

Coleus can be started from seed. "The seed needs light to be able to germinate," says Burpee Horticulturist Tracy Lee.. "When you sow the seeds, just press lightly into the top of the soil instead of covering," Lee explains. "When grown as a housplant, they can be sown year-round."

Look for Healthy Plants

When shopping at your local nursery or garden center, look for plants that show signs of new growth. Choose plants that are not root bound to make it easier for the newly-planted coleus to grow.

Keep Coleus Moist but Not Wet

"Coleus like moist conditions, so plant outdoors in moist (but not standing water) soil. When planting in containers, keep well-watered. Pinch off any flower stems that may form in order to prolong the life of the plant", Lee explains.

The Clemson University Extension Services Home and Garden Information Center states that poorly drained soil and excessive watering will damage coleus. Plants, however, should not be allowed to dry out, they warn. They recommend keeping the root ball wet for the first week after planting and then only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Coleus Size Varies

The coleus plant ranges in height from one foot to three feet tall. Some can be bushy and some grow more upright. Decide where you want to plant before choosing the variety. Low-growing varieties make a great buffer in front of taller plants. Bushy plants can fill a large space, and tall varieties make a dramatic backdrop or barrier.

Some Coleus are Sun Tolerant

Alabama Sunset is a popular and durable sun-tolerant coleus and the plants are spectacular planted in a group. These plants can typically be found in variety stores in the spring and grow rapidly when planted. If you live in the extreme south, make sure your plants receive adequate water during the hottest summer months.

Check with your garden center or on the tag with the plant to see if the coleus you purchase tolerates sun or needs mostly shade.

Sun tolerant plants are just that--they tolerate some sun. The amount of sun will depend on where you live so always take that into consideration when planting.

Coleus as a Container PlantIf you are new to growing coleus, planting them in a container the first year is an ideal way to determine their best placement in your garden. You can group several varieties together for a spash of color and move the container if the conditions are not optimal. Make sure they are in a well-draining pot and adjust watering when conditions change.

From reds and pinks to purple and green, the coleus provides stunning color and interesting texture to any landscape!

The copyright of the article Planting and Growing Coleus in Summer Gardens in Annual Plants is owned by Rosalie Thompson. Permission to republish Planting and Growing Coleus in Summer Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.