Growing your own plants is a total win-win: it saves you a few bucks and is honestly so rewarding. When it comes to the stunning Coleus, you’ve got a couple of ways to grow your collection. One option is starting them from seed, though I’ll be honest—it takes a bit of patience and a steady hand!
Why you probably won’t be harvesting your own seeds
Coleus plants are famous for those jaw-dropping leaves, but their flowers are actually pretty underwhelming.
Most gardeners (myself included!) usually pinch the flower buds off as soon as they appear. This keeps the plant from wasting its energy on seed production so it can focus on growing that gorgeous, lush foliage we love.
Because of that, you likely won’t be “home-growing” your own seeds. The good news? You can find seed packets very affordably at any garden center, often in fun “rainbow mixes” that give you a surprise variety of colors.
Just a heads-up: if you’re looking for one specific color, it’s a bit of a waiting game. Coleus don’t usually reveal their true colors until they’ve grown at least five pairs of leaves!
How to grow Coleus from seed
Ready to give it a shot? Here’s how to get those seeds started:
- Fill some small starter pots with a good seed-starting mix and sprinkle your seeds on top.
- Coleus seeds are “light germinators,” which means they need light to wake up. Don’t bury them! Just press them gently onto the surface.
- These guys love warmth. They won’t sprout unless it’s around 70°F (20°C). Find a bright, warm spot—a sunny windowsill or even a spot above a radiator works great.
- Keep the soil consistently moist with regular watering (a spray bottle is perfect here).
- You should see the first little sprouts popping up in about three weeks.
- Once your babies have grown three pairs of leaves, they’re ready to be moved into larger pots.
Make sure to keep your young plants in a bright, sunny spot. Just remember: Coleus are super sensitive to the cold, so keep them cozy!
Propagating Coleus from cuttings
If you’re looking for instant gratification (no judgment here!), growing from seed might feel a little slow.
In that case, taking cuttings is the way to go. This propagation method is incredibly easy and works fast.
Just snip off a few leafy stems about 4 inches long and pop them into a glass of water. In about two weeks, you’ll see roots forming. Once they have a nice root system, transplant them into pots. Pro tip: plant a few different varieties together in one pot for a spectacular, colorful display!
