3 saves
Coleus
We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Coleus varieties
5 species of Coleus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Coleus in Sow
Save the Coleus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Coleus
Whats common across all Coleus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Coleus year
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Feed every 2 to 4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Check leaf undersides and axils for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
- Winter PrepOctober and November80% of varieties
Bring container plants indoors before the first frost, as top growth has zero frost tolerance.
- Pinch TipsApril–August60% of varieties
Pinch growing tips every 2-3 weeks to prevent legginess and encourage a dense, bushy habit.
- PropagateMay and June40% of varieties
Take stem cuttings from green, non-woody growth to root in water or moist potting mix.
- PlantMay and June40% of varieties
Plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil is warm.
- PruneApril40% of varieties
Trim back soft stems after bloom flushes to keep the habit tight.
Do
- Pinch off flower spikes as they appear to preserve foliage vigor and color.
- Water regularly to prevent rapid wilting under dry conditions.
- Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks in spring and summer.
- Pinch stem tips frequently during the active growing season to encourage branching.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer spells.
Avoid
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as the plant has low drought tolerance.
- Do not fertilize during winter dormancy or periods of slow growth.
- Do not expose the plant to freezing temperatures, which immediately kill top growth.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as the plant wilts rapidly under dry conditions.
What goes wrong with Coleus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted leaves and sticky honeydew on stems | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected areas. |
| Whiteflies | Small white insects fluttering under leaves when disturbed | Deploy yellow sticky traps and treat with insecticidal soap. |
| Spider Mites | Fine stippling or yellowing on leaves accompanied by delicate webbing under leaf surfaces. | Increase ambient humidity and spray thoroughly with horticultural oil or miticide. |
| Spider mites | Stippled foliage and fine webbing on leaf undersides | Spray foliage with a strong stream of water or apply a miticide. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal growth on leaf surfaces | Apply fungicides and space plants to improve air circulation. |
| Root rot | Wilting foliage and mushy, dark roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering frequency. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, talcum-powder-like patches on leaves and stems. | Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply sulfur-based fungicides if needed. |
Making more Coleus
Stem Cuttings
- Take stem cuttings in spring or summer from healthy, active green growth.
- Remove lower leaves, leaving a few nodes exposed.
- Place the cuttings in water or moist potting mix.
- Keep in bright, indirect light until roots establish in one to two weeks.
Stem cuttings
- Cut a 3- to 4-inch stem tip just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top set.
- Insert the cutting into water or clean, moist potting soil.
- Maintain high humidity and warmth until roots develop in 1 to 2 weeks.
Coleus questions
How many types of Coleus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Coleus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Coleus grow in?
Across its varieties, Coleus covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Coleus bloom?
Most Coleus varieties bloom from summer to fall.
Which Coleus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.