If you want to enjoy the stunning leaf colors of coleus, make sure to plant them in a spot that receives plenty of sunshine or partial shade. These plants flourish in soil that is consistently moist yet well-draining. It’s important to note that coleus are considered tender perennials, which means they won’t survive harsh winter weather conditions. In the UK, they are typically grown as annuals and should be planted outdoors in May when there is no chance of frost. However, if you want to keep your coleus plants for more than one year, you can either bring them indoors during fall or take cuttings in the summer to grow new plants the following spring.

To grow coleus, choose a spot that receives ample sunlight or partial shade and ensure the soil is moist but drains well. As coleus plants are short, they make a great addition to the front of a garden bed or in combination with other bedding plants, or even in pots on a patio. For those growing coleus as a houseplant, make sure to place it in a bright location that also receives some direct sunlight.

In order to grow coleus, you can purchase young plants known as ‘plug plants’ in early spring. To ensure optimal growth, it’s recommended to grow them indoors until the weather has warmed up. Once May arrives and there is no sign of frost, you can plant them in your garden. Prior to planting them outside, it’s important to acclimatize them to outdoor conditions for a week. When preparing the soil, it’s suggested to mix in some multi-purpose compost. Dig a hole that is slightly bigger than the original pot, place the plant inside, and fill around it with soil. Water the plant well after planting. If you prefer to use a pot, dig a hole that is the same size and depth as the original pot. Plant the coleus at the same level and water it thoroughly.

Taking Care of Your Coleus Plant To make your coleus plant look bushy, pinch out the central stem after planting. During summer, it is important to keep the plant well-hydrated, particularly if you are growing it in a container. In case you choose to grow coleus in pots outdoors, do keep in mind to transfer them indoors before the first frost arrives during fall. On the other hand, for those who prefer to grow them as bedding plants in the ground, it is advisable to take cuttings during summer so as to have some plants for next year.

Growing more coleus plants is a breeze with the right propagation method. During summer, simply take cuttings and cultivate them in a greenhouse or conservatory for the next season. Here’s how to go about taking cuttings:

When growing coleus plants outside, there’s no need to worry about diseases. However, if you decide to grow them inside or in a conservatory, be on the lookout for pesky insects like whitefly, mealybugs, and scale insects. Taking preventative measures can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay.