Dramatic, colorful foliage in a range of tropical colors for shaded areas. Coleus is an excellent houseplant that will add color to those dreary winter days. In the garden, its white, bronze, gold, copper, yellow, pink, red, and purple, foliage will brighten up shady areas that typically are hard to grow flowers in! Also great for containers and planters! Deer resistant.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
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Common Names: Coleus, Rainbow Mix Coleus
Latin Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
Type: Annual (Perennial indoors)
Life Cycle: Annual outdoors, Perennial indoors
USDA Zones: 10 - 11 outdoors, All zones as a houseplant
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade outdoors, Bright Indirect Light indoors
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Height: 12-24 inches
Spread: 10-16 inches
Color: Varied mix of white, bronze, gold, copper, yellow, pink, red, and purple foliage
Bloom Season: Grown for foliage, but may produce small flowers if not pinched back
Companion Plants: Impatiens, Begonia, Caladium (Provides complementary color in shaded areas.)
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in shaded areas outdoors, adaptable as a houseplant
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. Coleus is frost-sensitive and prefers warm soil for germination.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for earlier foliage displays.
Days to Emerge:
10-20 days
Seed Depth:
Surface-sow seeds; press lightly into the soil but do not cover, as light aids germination.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 6-12 inches apart or thin to 10-12 inches once seedlings are established.
Hardiness:
Not frost-tolerant; treat as an annual outdoors or bring indoors as a houseplant in cold climates.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Coleus prefers fertile, well-draining soil. Adding organic matter or compost improves growth, especially in containers.
Watering:
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Coleus appreciates moderate humidity, especially indoors.
Light and Temperature:
Outdoors, Coleus thrives in partial to full shade. Indoors, place in bright, indirect light for the best foliage color. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Maintain indoor temperatures around 65-75°F.
Houseplant Care:
Coleus Rainbow Mix makes an excellent indoor plant for year-round color. Position it in a bright room, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Rotate regularly for even growth, and mist occasionally if the air is dry. Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering, as this can reduce the vibrancy of the foliage.
Container Friendly:
Ideal for containers and planters both indoors and outdoors. Use a container with good drainage, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Coleus is primarily grown for foliage, so regular pinching and trimming to shape the plant is recommended for bushiness and to prevent flowering.
How to Harvest:
Pinch or snip off leaves or stems as needed for maintenance. For healthy growth, pinch back to prevent flowering, which can reduce leaf color intensity.
Drying and Storing:
Coleus leaves are not typically dried, as they’re prized for their fresh appearance.
Edible Use:
Not recommended for culinary use. Primarily grown for ornamental purposes.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow some plants to flower if you wish to collect seeds. When flowers dry, gently shake or tap the seed heads to collect seeds.
Seed Cleaning:
Separate seeds from any dried plant material and air-dry them completely.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 1-2 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Coleus is grown for foliage rather than flowers, but flowering plants may attract some small pollinators if allowed to bloom.
Origin:
Native to Southeast Asia and cultivated worldwide for its vibrant, tropical foliage.
Nomenclature:
The name "Coleus" was traditionally used, though the plant is now classified as *Plectranthus*.
History:
Coleus has long been valued as a decorative plant, grown both indoors and outdoors for its vivid foliage.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets, though ingestion is not recommended.
Climate Adaptability:
Coleus Rainbow Mix adapts well to cooler indoor climates, withstanding winter indoors as a houseplant if provided bright, indirect light.
