Plants – The Big Coleus Transplant – Hooray!

On By TimelessladyIn Plants

I’ve been growing this year’s coleus crop in recycled chicken rotisserie containers since mid-winter. They have grown well, and it’s time to transplant them. Before I begin I gently move the larger plants aside; the coleus are already showing different colors, sizes, and leaf shapes. Years ago, and I have no idea where the advice came from, I read that often the best coleus are the last ones to sprout and grow large. I have found this to have a modicum of truth, beneath the larger coleus sprouts are often the best plants.

I transplant into small cups with a drainage hole cut into the bottom. A light potting soil is best, I add a bit of vermiculite to lighten it further, but it’s not necessary if the soil drains well.

The best method to remove the seedling from the surrounding sprouts is to use a fork. The fork lifts without cutting through the roots.

At this time I closely examine each plantlet and take note of those that have the most potential. I was impressed by this small sprout. Although it it is tiny it is loaded with color and sass. I like the spots and it reminds me a bit of a leopard.

Here’s my first tray of seedlings potted up and ready to grow on for a few weeks. Coleus cannot tolerate cold temperatures. I will grow them on in the trays until after the full moon on May 7th. At that time they can be placed in their permanent pots outside.

I love coleus. They can be sown and planted at any time throughout the year. They make an amazing houseplant. I’ve included a photograph of a coleus I’ve grown into a topiary.

10 thoughts on “Plants – The Big Coleus Transplant – Hooray!”

    1. Timelesslady

      I love them too. The colors, not knowing how large or small they will be, the leaf shapes…so much mystery! Thanks so much.

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  3. It will be a while until I transplant mine from the seeds you gave me. The seedlings are very leggy. Meanwhile, the houseplants are doing well. That’s because I’m not taking care of them. John waters them. I would drown them. One of the plants has huge leaves. I suspect it is from seeds you gave me two years ago, and it’s had two seasons outdoors.

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    1. Timelesslady

      Some of mine have leaves the size of my hand…or even larger…then some will have leaves the size of a quarter. it’s that mystery of them that I love. You never know what you’re going to get…just like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates.

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        1. Timelesslady

          Hi Anne, The topiary is easy to do with coleus that are leggy. Just let the top keep growing up and pull off side shoots and leaves. It’s fun. I’m glad you have a good selection of sizes…I’m sure you will find some good colors in the mix as they mature. Thanks for keeping me updated.
          Kathy

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    1. Timelesslady

      Thanks Candice, sorry it took me so long to respond. I’ve been working a lot in my garden and letting so much else slide for the time-being. It’s good to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by the blog. Kathy

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