For a full appreciation of the stunning colors of coleus leaves, it is important to select a planting spot that receives adequate sunlight or partial shade. Consistently keeping the soil moist, but not waterlogged, is also essential for these plants to flourish. It is important to note that coleus are classified as tender perennials and will not survive harsh winter conditions. In the UK, they are typically grown as annuals and should be planted in May, after the threat of frost has passed. However, if you want to keep your coleus plants for more than one year, you can either bring them indoors during the fall season or take cuttings in the summer to grow new plants for the following spring.
If you’re thinking about growing coleus, it’s essential to choose a spot that receives an ample amount of sunlight or partial shade, and it’s crucial to ensure that the soil is neither too dry nor too wet. Due to their short stature, coleus plants look exceptionally charming when used as a foreground plant in your garden beds or paired with other bedding plants. Alternatively, you can also cultivate them in containers on your backyard patio. If you’re planning to keep coleus plants indoors, it’s best to place them in a well-lit area that receives some direct sunlight.
If you’re interested in cultivating coleus, it might be a good idea to purchase young plants known as “plug plants” in early spring. To encourage optimal growth, it is recommended to keep them indoors until the weather starts to warm up. Once May arrives and there is no longer any risk of frost, you can safely transfer them outside into your garden. However, before planting them, it is crucial to give them time to adapt to the outdoor conditions for about a week. When preparing the soil, adding multi-purpose compost can be quite beneficial. Simply dig a hole that is slightly larger than the pot, place the plant inside, and cover it with soil. After planting, make sure to water it abundantly. If you’re using a pot, ensure that the hole size and depth match that of the original pot. Plant the coleus at the same level and water it thoroughly.
Taking Care of Your Coleus Plant To ensure that your coleus plant looks full and bushy, it’s important to pinch the central stem after planting. During summer, watering is essential, particularly if you’re growing it in a container. If you’ve opted to grow your coleus in outdoor pots, remember to move them indoors before the first frost of autumn. On the other hand, if you’re using them as bedding plants, taking cuttings during summer is a smart decision as it enables you to have healthy plants to enjoy next season.
Growing coleus plants through propagation can be effortless if you follow the right techniques. During summer, taking cuttings and cultivating them in a greenhouse or conservatory can provide you with a splendid garden for the forthcoming season. The following are the instructions to consider when taking cuttings:
When it comes to growing coleus plants indoors or in a conservatory, it’s important to keep an eye out for pesky insects such as scale insects, mealybugs, and whitefly. However, if you opt to cultivate them outdoors, you won’t have to worry about diseases. By implementing preventative measures, you can prevent these unwanted pests from invading your plants.
