How Far Apart Should You Plant Coleus?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Plants should stand

12 inches apart

in the garden. Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Do coleus like to be crowded?


Do not crowd coleus close together

. They spread out to about 16 inches across, so keep the leaves from shading each other by at least 12 inches away from each other in the garden. Some coleus prefer bright sun, but most do best and achieve the most vivid color in partial shade.

Where is the best place to plant coleus?

Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in

areas with partial shade

, though many varieties can also tolerate sun. When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly.

How fast does coleus grow?

They're also very easy to grow into a standard. One great thing about using coleus is that it only takes

6-12 months

to have a good looking standard compared to years for plants like rosemary or bay to become a decent size standard.

How wide do coleus get?

Coleus comes in three forms: upright, rounded and trailing. They range in height from 6 inches to 3.5 feet and grow

1 to 3 feet wide

.

How do I make my coleus bushy?

You can make coleus bushy by

routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant

. Over time, the main stem or trunk of your coleus will become strong and support a larger, fuller plant. Regular feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer can also promote growth.

Does coleus need a lot of water?

Water. Coleus plants are not very drought tolerant, so it's important to develop a good watering cadence that allows you to keep your coleus well-hydrated but not soggy. In hot months, coleus plants grown in pots outdoors will need

watering once or twice a day

.

What is the best fertilizer for coleus?

At the early stages of growth, coleus root development can be affected by high salts. A good target for EC in the root media is below 1.0 mS/cm. Keep ammonium nitrogen levels in the root zone less than 10 ppm by choosing high-nitrate-based fertilizers like,

13-2-13, 16-2-15 or 15-5-15

.

Should I let my coleus flower?

Coleus plant flowering signals the end of the plant's life cycle, and plants usually die soon after they are allowed to produce blooms. …

You can just leave them on

and enjoy the plant as an annual, or take steps to encourage thicker growth and continued life in a greenhouse or cold frame.

Does coleus like sun or shade?

Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at

least dappled shade

and direct sun limited to morning hours.

Do coleus reseed themselves?

There are many plants that reseed themselves. Popular flowering plants that will come back year after year can include annuals, biennials and perennials. Annuals – popular annuals that reseed include forget-me-nots, coleus and marigolds.

Why are my coleus cuttings drooping?

Moisture Stress

Cuttings lose moisture through

transpiration

, yet are often unable to replace it through the roots, so dehydration and wilting often occur. Air and soil moisture are both integral to maintaining proper hydration in coleus cuttings, so keep them under carefully controlled conditions.

Will coleus come back every year?

Taking a perennial to a location where cold winters kill it

does not make it an annual

. … Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones. Cannas are reliably hardy in the ground outside from around Zone 7 and upward (warmer.)

Is coleus poisonous to dogs?

The cause of coleus poisoning is exposure to or consumption of any part of the coleus.

The essential oils are toxic to dogs and other small animals

and children and are quickly absorbed through the skin, causing intense irritation and central nervous system abnormalities.

How long do coleus cuttings take to root?

The coleus cutting should root in

two to three weeks

. You will know it is rooted when you see new growth on the coleus cutting. Alternately, another method for how to root coleus cuttings is in water. After taking your cuttings, place them in a small glass of water and place this in bright indirect light.

Can you divide coleus?

Coleus grows as a perennial throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. … Although

coleus is not propagated via division

, there are times, such as when you want to move coleus plants from a mass planting to another area, when dividing existing coleus plants is necessary.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.