Grow Rainbow Coleus Mixture from fresh Coleus blumei seeds. Rainbow Coleus plants are greatly used in gardens where the sun doesn’t shine often. They will produce multi colored leaves and their foliage is beautifully attractive. Coleus is categorized as an annual plant that grows quickly, blooms through the summer months and later dies with the first frost. The colorful plants, Coleus will mature to a height of about 18 to 30 inches tall and can range from 8 to 12 inches wide.
Coleus is an excellent plant to use in containers and pots, and mixes well with other low growing plants and ground covers. Try sowing coleus with Pansies, Violas, Petunias, Lobelia or any other hanging plant inside containers and pots. They are sure to add and amazing color combination to your garden and are not solely restricted to areas of shade.
Quick Facts
- Type: Foliage
- Color: Mixed
- Height: 18″ – 30″ Tall
- Width: 8″ – 12″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: 4 to 10
- Environment: Partial shade (warm regions) Full sun (cool regions)
- Uses: Pots / Containers, flower beds and shaded areas of the garden.
Sowing The Seed
Coleus seeds are best started in a controlled environment because of their size. It’s recommended to start indoors in peat pots, scattering the tiny seeds directly to the surface of the soil, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm. (Light required for germination)
Growing Conditions
Coleus plants will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight in cooler regions, to partial shade in warmer regions. They prefer a light and rich soil. It is best to mix hard compact soil with compost to allow for better drainage. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting so that the soil is kept moist until germination occurs.
Germination & Growth
Coleus seeds will begin to show signs of life in as little as 5 days but average at around 7 to 14 days after sowing. Plants bare colorful foliage that grows to a mature height of about 18 to 30 inches tall. Space 12 to 18 inches apart. Coleus mixture is great in beds, borders and containers.