Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil or roomy containers that hold moisture well.
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Position
Partial shade.
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Frost tolerant
None. Coleus cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
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Feeding
Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.
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Companions
Coleus steals the show with its showy foliage. It combines very well with impatiens, another warm-season annual flower.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow tiny coleus seeds atop moist seed starting mix and gently press them into the surface. Most gardeners buy coleus seedlings, many of which are grown from rooted cuttings.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Coleus leaves are often splashed with shades of pink and red that can be used to echo the blossom colors of nearby flowers. Stem tip cuttings are easy to root in moist potting soil or plain water.
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Harvesting
Pinch back plants in early summer to encourage the development of new branches. Also clip off flower spikes to prolong the life of the plants.
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Troubleshooting
Whiteflies are occasional pests outdoors. When coleus are brought indoors to grow as houseplants, they may attract mealybugs.
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