Plantings – Coleus Sampler

On By TimelessladyIn Planting

Coleus sampler 1

Sampler of last year’s coleus leaves.

I’ve been cleaning chaff from my coleus seed harvest, dreaming of next year’s new plants. When I’m finished the tedious task, I’ll place the seeds in the refrigerator or in the garage for a few weeks to give them a dose of coldness. This process is called stratification.

Stratification:  In horticulture, stratification is the process of pre-treating seeds to simulate natural winter conditions a seed must endure before germination.

For tips on stratification for seeds read this article: Making Winter for Seeds: Cold Stratification From Fridge to Snow Sowing.

I start my seeds in early January to have good-sized plants by late April/early May. If you’ve never grown coleus, give them a try. The colors and variety will be sure to please you.

21 thoughts on “Plantings – Coleus Sampler”

      1. Thank you very much for the information! I love coleus I just seem to have a difficult time planting with other plants. I live in south Mississippi could the humidity cause it to die out easily, especially if potted and not planted? Thank you

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        1. Timelesslady

          I live in NJ and it’s very humid here. My coleus are seasonal. They die off in the first frost unless I bring them in. Indoors they can live indefinitely. I have some right now on my window sill that will move outdoors as soon as it’s warm enough. Thanks for the comment.

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    1. Timelesslady

      I give all my seeds a dose of cold if I remember. I also have volunteers come up in the garden in the late Spring, but they never grow very large as they get such a late start. They have had a naturally cold time due to winter here. I will have to leave a couple of seeds for personal use out of the cold treatment this year and see how they do. Thanks for the comment. I always love hearing from people who grow coleus.

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    1. Timelesslady

      I am getting ready to plant them this weekend. I will probably plant between 300 – 400 seeds in four containers. Thanks for the comment.

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    2. Timelesslady

      If I can I store all my seeds in cold temperatures. Even if they don’t need the cold (stratification) it seems the temperature fluctuation, along with moisture and warmth helps the seed coat crack faster.

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    1. Timelesslady

      I grow my own coleus, probably over two decades. During that time I allow them to flower and go to seed after August 1st. I keep the seed and keep them going on and on.

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  6. Dear Timeless Lady, you clicked on my blog today, so I thought I’d visit yours. What caught my eye was the coleus sampler. I loved plants with colored leaves, especially those that can tolerate a bit of shade. Yesterday I planted caladium in a shady spot, hoping for the best.

    Also, I see some scripture posted here, which gives me a clue to your spiritual side. Thanks for visiting my blog today. You are welcome anytime. 🙂

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  7. Timelesslady

    Thank you Marian, I will definitely be visiting your blog again. I love coleus and have quite a few in trays ready for weather that’s a bit warmer. I live in southern NJ and we are having one of the coldest Aprils on record. Hopefully, around Mother’s Day, I’ll be able to get the small coleus sprouts indoors. Right now I hover over them like a Mother Hen. Thanks so much for stopping by in return.

    My husband’s family came from Mennonite country and one of his great-aunts followed their ways. They lived in the Lansdale, Silverdale area, and had a furniture store there. Quite a few of his relatives still live up that way.

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    1. Timelesslady

      Hi, I looked it up and found both answers…yes they do, no they don’t…so I am not sure concerning any info on the Internet. I have never had them eaten, but we have only seen a deer once in our yard. The only thing that seems to eat my coleus plants are slugs. I think that happens because they live beneath the pots I plant them in. When they are in the garden beds they seem relatively pest-free. Hope this helps.

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Thanks so much for your comments. They fill my life with sunshine.

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