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Coleus is a colorful, simple-to-grow plant for full sun gardens. The patterned leaves with different color variations are recognized by most gardeners. Coleus ( Coleus scutellarioides ) is a common annual (or tender perennial) that is uniform, durable and performs great in small and large beds or containers. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source It is easy to grow in moderate to hot temperatures. It is only a perennial for zones where winters are frost-free.
Steps
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Purchase seedlings or transplants from a local garden store. Look for high quality transplants in the spring.
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Prepare the soil. Coleus does well in the garden. Choose a site where water drains well and add compost each year.
- Be sure to add organic mulch after planting to conserve water and reduce weed issues.
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Coleus does well in containers. Coleus colors are a great accent to pots with numerous other plants.
- Use high quality commercial potting soil in containers with drainage holes or try self-watering pots to reduce your effort with watering.
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Choose coleus varieties for a full sun location. Full sun varieties are usually larger, 2-3 feet (0.5-1 m) tall and wide.
- Plant full sun varieties 2-3 feet (0.5-1 m) apart in the garden.
- Use just one or two in a container because they get big.
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Choose coleus varieties for a shady location, if you wish. Shade loving varieties are usually smaller, 1-2 feet (0.3-0.7 m) tall and wide.
- Plant shade loving varieties 1-2 feet (0.3-0.7 m) apart in the garden.
- Plant shade loving varieties where they get 2-4 hours of full sun each day.
- Look for the new trailing varieties that will trail over the edge of a container.
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Purchase transplants grown from cuttings at a garden store. Coleus is very easy to propagate from cuttings. Simply take a young stem with leaves and place it in a glass of water. Roots will be visible in 7-10 days.
- The best varieties of coleus are grown from cuttings and sold with brand names.
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Coleus is also grown from seeds. Search online for the varieties you like.
- Follow the seed packet directions when planting seeds. Sow the seeds indoors, under lights, 8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
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Water the coleus plants thoroughly after planting in the garden or a container.
- Do not water again for 5-7 days. Allow the roots to get established in their new home rather than damage them by overwatering.
- Water as needed throughout the summer. Like most plants coleus needs about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water every week from rainfall or irrigation. Somewhat less when temperatures are cool.
- Purchase a drip irrigation system and system timer. It can be purchased from a hardware store.
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Apply fertilizer regularly. A water soluble fertilizer is the easiest to use for fertilizing coleus. Apply every 2-3 weeks for pots and window boxes and every 4-6 weeks in the garden.
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Care for coleus plants is easy. Remove flower stalks if you wish and prune branches that get too large during the summer.
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