Coleus Culture

Coleus can be a colorful garden highlight.

The home gardener usually comes out better by buying plants already started in pot, trays or packs.

Coleus have long been favorite pot plants and during recent years have become an outstanding bedding plant. Coleus are noted for the masses of brightly colored leaves. They come in reds, pink, white, greens, rainbows, brilliant or dark leaf margins and are available in trailing forms, as well as the saber leafed types. Coleus have to have high light for color development, however, full sun proves a bit too hot during the summer.

The home gardener usually comes out better by buying plants already started in pot, trays or packs. They are best planted after the danger of frost has passed and soils have begun to warm. They are not particular as to soils, however, they will grow best in a well prepared garden soil.

Preparing the bed…

For outdoor beds, spread 3 inches of finely ground pine bark, peat moss, manure, or rotted leaves or compost. Add 1 inch of sand plus 2 pounds of an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet or bed space. If mixing soil for pots or window boxes use 1 part garden soil, 1 part manure or peat moss and 1 part coarse sand.

A pinch in time…

When planting young plants of coleus, pinch out the growing tip with your fingernails to encourage branching. If planting plants in peat or fiber pots pinch a couple of holes in the bottom and set the pot so the lip is below the soil surface. If you buy plants in trays or packets cut the soil into blocks leaving as many roots per plant as possible.

During the first couple of weeks after planning you will need to check the water daily. Plan to fertilize at monthly intervals along with thorough watering once or twice each week. Use 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet of bed space of 1/2 teaspoon per 6 inch pot. With close attention your plants should highlight your garden, patio or porch.

For more information on coleus culture, contact your local county Extension office.