We want lots of tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans. To move the plant outside, choose an area in your garden that drains well with full sun or partial shade. Start your seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Fill the hole around the roots with soil, and tamp down the soil with the back of the shovel. Although Coleus can naturally do well in sun-filled locations, those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays will show signs of sun-scorch and environmental shock. Lack of water, cold temperatures or improper planting methods can cause severe transplant shock. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and members of the Solanaceae family generally need their roots teased a bit and spread out some before planting. The roots should have settled in and acclimated to their new home by then. After transplanting, make sure that they have plenty of moisture if the weather turns hot or dry. Transplant shock seems to be a big concern and actually it depends on the plant as to whether or not it is harmful, or makes no difference. Sow sees shallowly lightly covered with fine seed starting soil. Side note, I do suggest cutting off the flowers. Coleus is probably one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. Don't plant new Coleus in the Garden Soil. Beans, squash, cucumbers and melons are best planted from seed and the roots allowed to grow naturally. I love to learn about every living thing, and love to share what I've learned. Transplant shock seems to be a big concern and actually it depends on the plant as to whether or not it is harmful, or makes no difference. To transplant coleus, choose a cool day in spring or autumn. Make the hole at least twice the diameter of the roots to allow ample space for the roots to grow, but plant the coleus only as deep as it was planted in its original spot. Planting Potted Plants in the Garden: Coleus Wizard Select a location in full to part shade with good rich well-drained organic soil protected from wind. Back to the top Potting Coleus. Sow seeds shallowly lightly covered with fine seed starting soil. There is a resurgence in vegetable gardening this year. They should have supplemental water all through the summer and taper it off in the fall. 1 Prepare a planting spot by spading the soil to a depth of eight to 10 inches. Using a loose, well draining medium for coleus propagation is your best bet for the best results. It sounds like they went into transplant shock. I wish I did! I had one that grew more like a tree than a bush. Propagating from cuttings is equal to coleus growing from seeds. Coleus can benefit with bottom heat. M.H. If the roots are tightly packed, they compete with each other for the same moisture and nutrient sources. This method is most suitable for landscaping or outdoors. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost using a seed starting kit. Check to ensure that the plants are stocky and have a large amount of closely spaced leaves. Planting Potted Plants in the Garden: Coleus Wizard Select a location in full to part shade with good rich well-drained organic soil protected from wind. (25 to 38 cm) 30 to 36 in. Garden Tips Menu Starting seed indoors is a project that is both economical and richly rewarding. Instead, water the plant with a garden hose or soaker hose. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to … For best results, plant the seeds indoors, 8–10 weeks before the last frost is expected in your area. In future, don't add fertilizer when transplanting, as this encourages leaf growth at the expense of roots. Keep them out of the sun, and they should perk up in a few days. Advertise | Keep the soil moist at 65-85 degrees. These did sprout as expected in Jiffy pots under a light. I had one that grew more like a tree than a bush. Mission | To transplant coleus, choose a cool day in spring or autumn. I've always said to dig a ten dollar hole for a two dollar plant. Start with a beautiful, healthy coleus plant and care for it properly, and you will be rewarded for your efforts with a magnificent house plant. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. Be sure to monitor water levels carefully. Explore. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for seven to 10 days after planting. Coleus hybrids were all the rage when they were first introduced into Europe from Java in the 1700sand their popularity has remained high. Fun and … Keep them out of the sun, and they should perk up in a few days. Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. Mulch has the added benefit of helping keep weeds in check. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com Terms of Use, Rules, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy. 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