2024 Seed Starting: Coleus Seeds 🍂 || How To Start Seeds Indoors || Growing Coleus From Seed

[@gardenplots283]

I have grown coleus from seed in the past and one of the most fun things is that they look like coleus when they are tiny seedlings.

[@shesamadgardener]

Agreed!

[@jacquewiebe8533]

I started 150 colors this year. I love being able to play in the dirt in January!!

[@shesamadgardener]

Wow!

[@MinxFox]

At the end of 2023 was my first time collecting cuttings of my coleus to overwinter. Previously each year I would buy coleus plugs from Rosy Dawn Gardens and then I would forget to take cuttings of my coleus and of course once the weather gets cold they are the first plants to be killed completely by the cold. Last year I realized I had figured out my favorite varieties so I might as well get serious and save them instead of re-buying them every year. My #1 favorite coleus is Trusty Rusty. I also really like Morgan Le Fay. Last year I just happened across a pot of coleus 'Henna' for sale at a thrift store that I bought and didn't know the name of it until I saw it online - very striking variety with spiked edges, a neon yellow/green leaf but the underside is a dark pinkish maroon. Last year our city planted coleus downtown and my friends laughed at me because I pinched off the top of one and took it home in a damp paper towel. Once that bit started growing my friend was shocked & amazed to see it big and beautiful in my garden. It was like a magic trick haha.

[@shesamadgardener]

Coleus is such an amazing plant! I’m going to go look up the varieties that you suggested!

[@BurdaGrowingBetter]

I also enjoy when videos are posted early. I can catch them before work or anytime later on in the day, like now I’m watching during a late lunch break. Keep it up! You’re going great!

[@shesamadgardener]

Love that! Thank you!

[@rosedavis5011]

I saw a cool trick on another video for planting tiny seeds. Get a tooth pick and lick the end then the seeds will stick to it so you don't have to pick them up with your fingers. Then touch the toothpick to the dirt which knocks off the seeds and keeps the toothpick wet so you can keep picking up more seeds. I did this with a chopstick and it worked perfectly as well. So much easier then trying to pick up the seeds.

[@shesamadgardener]

Ooo, chopstick would work better for me than a toothpick, thanks!

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Cut a rectangular piece of paper about 4" x 1 " then cut a sharp point on one end. Now fold I'm half length wise. Place seeds in center of paper, gently tap seeds onto soil or medium.

[@ke6ucr]

That Black Dragon is amazing!

[@shesamadgardener]

It’s so pretty in the garden right now!

[@dsabo6426]

I love your channel. You inpired me to get some seeds going today. And you took away mt fear of lisiamthus. my first ever lizzies are 8 weeks old and looking AMAZING!!!

[@dsabo6426]

also based on how beautiful your kong coleus was last year, i got some seeds from swallowtail seeds. srarted it today.

[@shesamadgardener]

Yay for lisianthus!!!

[@shesamadgardener]

Awesome! I’m obsessed with King coleus!

[@juneramirez8580]

I just started growing coleus in the passed spring. It was very successful UNTIL THE SUMMER. I live in the low AZ desert zone 9b, where our temps are between 115 to 120 degrees. My beautifil plants started collapsing. I saved 4 plants by taking them in and growing in an Eastern and Western windows. I will start more from the seeds left over and bring them inside when it gets too hot again. I have not put them back out now that the weather is cooling.

[@shesamadgardener]

Oh that’s too bad about the summer … mine deal with triple degree temps but not as high as that.

[@michellepollino4986]

I love all 4 varieties. I really like to use coleus in my garden. I have grown from seed and propagated and over winter it in my house. The propagation worked great free plants.

[@shesamadgardener]

I’m all for free plants!

[@jenniferpaniagua8877]

So happy I found your channel! Watching from Cleburne Tx, which means we are in the same planting zone 🎉 I'm learning a lot from you, since I grew up in Costa Rica and this Texas weather is another level of rules to plant than a tropical climate like Costa Rica!

[@shesamadgardener]

Awesome! Thank you! I went to TCU so I am familiar with Clebourne!

[@aliciamabel2245]

I’m new and NEEDED this!!!! Thank you

[@shesamadgardener]

You’re welcome!

[@barbarablackwell5315]

She’s a Mad Gardener a great way to start the day! Love your videos greeting me to start the day.

[@shesamadgardener]

So nice of you!

[@grinchis40]

I brought my favorite Coleus 'Mosaic' inside 2 years ago and put it under the grow light for the winter. It had to be my favorite plant during that time. That was the only time I've grown one inside.

[@shesamadgardener]

I’ll have to go look is Mosaic!

[@jeanannpowers9335]

I'm growing coleus from see for the first time this year too. Couple more weeks for me. Fell in love with coleus last year. I like your post time. I'm an early riser and live starting my day with garden goodness. 😊

[@shesamadgardener]

Sounds great! Thank you!

[@mhubertcfi]

I got coleus from seed this year too but had no idea that they would be a slow grower so thanks for that! Will also give the cuttings a try this fall❤

[@shesamadgardener]

Glad to help!

[@lindakay8171]

My favorite would be certain ones in the Kong variety mix. Can't wait to see the plants in your garden and/or pots.

[@shesamadgardener]

Me too! I wasn’t sure which Kong varieties I wanted so I started with the mix.

[@phatcher25]

I have started the black dragon coleus from seed. They are beautiful plants. Good luck with Kong!

[@shesamadgardener]

Thanks!

[@JL-hw5hu]

Love your story telling one of the best parts of your channel. Thanks for sharing. I live in Zone 9A Florida & and grow coleus in both full sun & part shade oddly enough.

[@shesamadgardener]

That is awesome! I feel like there are a bunch of things that grow in Florida but won’t grow other places.

[@tinaedwards6889]

This is my first-time seeding.... i have to watch again

[@shesamadgardener]

Hope it helps!

[@theresaoriabure9673]

love all coleus plants they are beautiful

[@shesamadgardener]

Thanks! I’m excited!

[@vickijackson9115]

Absolutely love Coleus. I wish I had the space to experiment with seed starting. May try to when the weather permits it. I think I will try it in pots.

[@shesamadgardener]

Space is tough for seed starting in my opinion … if you can find about a 4ft space, I feel like that works well.

[@ibritbrat]

I love to grow these! I started them when I was going through a tough time not knowing that they would eventually give me pride and remove some of the stress from me! While they were not my first seeds, they were my first with no flowers and beautiful color! I wok at a school and took some to my class and planted with my kids there. They thrived so much better than the ones at home! When I brought the plant home it has thrived so much more! I have never pruned it before and that is something I want to learn to do! It’s so amazing to learn new exciting things that come from plants! I grow mine at home inside my apartment. They grow very well.

[@shesamadgardener]

Aww that is so wonderful!

[@splashafrica]

I love how you started it I've just been chucking everything in soil and watering doing it blind for a lot of the seeds it is that simple...but some stuff will frustrate you because it needs conditions met or it won't come up at all because it needs light or fire or to be particularly eaten by something or cold its rather annoying when youd ont have the info and you got a stubborn seed that's ŕefuses and tou don't know why sometimes it's as simple as having bad seed but most of the time it's all about conditions learning is everything plants are science

[@shesamadgardener]

Yep each seed tends to have different needs and germinate at different rates.

[@michellefrance1165]

Absolutely love coleus!! I would love to start some but I just don't have the right seed starting setup. I really have to rely on the winter sowing method for most of my seeds. I love your load time as I start my work day out and helps me get going 😊

[@shesamadgardener]

For the winter sowing method, you want to start a little later in the season … coleus doesn’t handle freezing temps.

[@michellefrance1165]

@shesamadgardener yes 100%, I probably will only do a little with them but may have room inside to start a few coleus.

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Started some in rockwool cubes. I know its winter but, in spring 2025 ill have a pretty display in spring 25'

[@shesamadgardener]

Yes you will!

[@GreenandGrain]

Great video as always! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!

[@shesamadgardener]

My pleasure!

[@karenberg1633]

This was super helpful. I bought seeds for the first time this year. Thank you!

[@shesamadgardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grisespino5342]

Headed straight to Swallowtail seeds for the dark ripple coleus! Yeah, seed sowing 🎉

[@shesamadgardener]

Yay!

[@ValSpringer]

Will you have a video on what you do next with the coleus you started? I started coleus with you, and the seedlings are doing well. Would love to see what you will be doing with your seedlings! Love your channel.

[@shesamadgardener]

I’ve done two videos on the coleus since then! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3bFoKqtrZysb7csi=UTo770uBM47IJAvX kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXetcpilZaqAb9ksi=5bNNm2OwqoJRmYVR

[@ValSpringer]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@atribecalledbey]

I’m growing coleus from seed for the first time this year to help with the revamping of my front yard. Your video was very helpful. Thank you

[@shesamadgardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rttaylor248]

Enjoy your helpful videos and your personality! Zone 8 also but in SC. I learn so much from watching your successes and shall we say “learning experiences.” 😊

[@shesamadgardener]

Awesome! Thank you! I always try to post when it doesn’t work out so others might be able to avoid my mistakes.

[@marionnixon817]

Love coleus and I’m excited to see how your Kong seeds do. Gorgeous plants. Again, I’ve never grown them from seeds but I am trying to overwinter some. So far, so good!

[@shesamadgardener]

The seedlings are doing great so far!

[@deb7639]

Very useful video. I am zone 4b, starting my coleus seeds today! Thank you!

[@shesamadgardener]

Good luck!

[@heidijones1516]

Hi Amanda, I have grown coleus as a house plant, it was incredibly beautiful. The sole reason it was such a beauty was the light it got. At the time we lived next door to a two story white house and I had a big window that took in reflected indirect bright light that bounced off that house. This was the era of coleus, piggyback, spider plants, and wandering jew. All of them were very happy with all of that light, I have not had such perfect and beautiful houseplants since we moved from that house! I am new with seed starting, this will be yr #2, I think I'll give coleus a try.

[@shesamadgardener]

Hi Heidi! I might try it out as a houseplant! Good for you on starting another year of seeds!

[@ThaerAldaragi]

I am really happy found your channel today i brought from super home center coleus sheeds thanks for advice

[@shesamadgardener]

Yay! And welcome to the channel!

[@MK-wm6gu]

Thanks for all the informative. This was very helpful, and I’ll get the seeds started tomorrow.

[@shesamadgardener]

Yay!

[@Amy-rp8nr]

New to your channel, starting my folia sunset coleus seeds today! Thanks for all the tips!

[@shesamadgardener]

Welcome!

[@gillbrown3523]

My favourite would be the dragon black, it’s amazing.😊

[@shesamadgardener]

I love it too!

[@IFuzzyWuzzyDoodle]

You made me excited about starting coleus from seeds so thank you! I’m in Texas zone 8b so the same as you right? Question, can I plant Rannuculus in the spring for summer blooming? I love the way they look and missed the fall season.

[@shesamadgardener]

Start your ranunculus immediately! They don’t like any hot weather and they take a while to get going … I started mine in the fall this time as an experiment. Go ahead and look up presprouting ranunculus and get started!

[@ShirleyJDavis]

I like the time you put your videos on KZbin. I can watch them any time of the day.

[@shesamadgardener]

I appreciate that!

[@morfeo904]

I just bought a packet of coleus seeds here in Baja California. 300 seeds for about 2 USD. The packet is so thin and light. It feels like there is nothing in there. This is my first time to plant coleus. I will let you know the results later. Great video.

[@shesamadgardener]

Yes the seeds are so small!

[@jeannet9592]

I am itching to start seeds too. I’m about two weeks behind you.

[@shesamadgardener]

You can do it!

[@danathomas9763]

I have grown Kong from seed…it was pelletized seed and germination rate was fantastic. Hope you have good luck with yours!

[@shesamadgardener]

Fingers crossed!

[@anitamurphy2454]

Doesn't it feel great getting seeds in the soil! Getting my soil sterilized and pots cleaned today. Go time tomorrow here in south Arkansas. Been growing coleus for two years from seed. My favorite part is when the colors show on the leaves so soon. In a mix, its fun to see what you get.

[@shesamadgardener]

Ooo, I can’t wait to see the color on the little seedlings!

[@cass77788]

when my plants get big I take cuttings and put them direct in a pot of soil and they will grow you don't even have to root them in water, only when you overwinter them. The only thing about putting non-sun plants in the direct sun is that their colors fade. coleus is my main plant for the year, I pot usually about 10 pots of them, and have been planting them for about 20 years now...great video

[@shesamadgardener]

That’s awesome! Yes I’ve taken many cuttings since this video and have 100s of coleus now … far more than I needed, so lesson learned!

[@mmcelroy8084]

I found your channel last year while looking for someone who deals with a climate like mine. I live outside of Tyler. I love all the seed starting info. I have searched for a video describing the book you always have in front of you when seed starting. Have you done one? I just ordered my coleus seeds so this is timely.

[@shesamadgardener]

I have not done one on my Happy Planner but I should … I’ll add that to my list, thanks for suggesting it!

[@maryhughes150]

Really liked your video! Could you tell me where you bought your seed trays! Thanks!

[@shesamadgardener]

They are from Amazon … there is a link to my Amazon Storefront in the video description!

[@hectorcalderon1878]

Hello I love your step by step video seeding Coleus. How long are you keeping the lights over the trays on a daily basis ? I keep my lights on for about 16 hours and turn them off when I retire for the evening. Your comments will be appreciated. Thank you from Los Angeles.

[@shesamadgardener]

I keep mine at 16 hours too!

[@amyrcampbell79]

I’m growing Coleus from seed for the first time ever. They’ve germinated, I just don’t know how big they should be before I move them into a bigger pot. They are in my sunroom, and I won’t be putting them outdoors for several more weeks. I live in East TN (zone 7b)

[@shesamadgardener]

I just posted a video on potting up my coleus if you want to take a look … kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXetcpilZaqAb9ksi=L4-731lW97G_oExq

[@kristinepeterson6761]

Your enthusiasm is just contagious! Love your channel so much! I’m trying to figure out where I can put a seed starting shelve in my house. I do most of mine with the winter sowing method but things like coleus that need heat wouldn’t work.

[@angelblack2215]

I’ve been seed starting in my laundry room for the last 2 years. No windows only grow lights. It works wonderfully, kinda out of the main house traffic areas and I don’t worry about dirt getting everywhere in there like other rooms. Don’t know if it would work for you, but an option 😊

[@anitamurphy2454]

​@angelblack2215 Same here. I have a metal shelving unit with 5500k shop lights hanging. A couple of clip on fans for air circulation and a timer and it's set. The heating unit and dryer keep it warm and perfect for seedlings.

[@shesamadgardener]

That is a unique option! Thanks for sharing!

[@shesamadgardener]

I never thought about the laundry room as an option … such a good idea!

[@shesamadgardener]

Looks like some people have posted some potential ideas, hope one of them might work for you!

[@sarasimpkins822]

love your videos, thank you! Where did you get that watering can?

[@shesamadgardener]

It’s from Home Goods a couple of years ago.

[@TrixieJFerguson]

Good morning! I want to start seeds so badly but my greenhouse is packed to every square inch with plants I’m trying to save over winter (a lot of tropicals for sure). That said, I also cannot squeeze another single plant in the greenhouse either and I’m in full on panic mode over the storm coming this weekend. What are you doing for your plants outside to get them through the super cold lows this weekend? I have broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, chard, Brussels sprouts, cilantro, oregano, mint and onions mostly in raised beds … except the onions I put in the ground on 12/28. Yikes!!! 😱

[@shesamadgardener]

Just posted a video on my cold weather prep!

[@PLD244]

Hi Amanda, I love coleus and started Giant exhibition palisandra and a jazz combo mix. I'm doing a lot of black and white this year with baby pink. I really enjoy watching your videos and I have learned a lot. I really need to learn the whole up-potting process. Would love to know how you up-pot your seedlings. Thanks so much!

[@shesamadgardener]

I’ve got a couple of videos out about the potting up process … they usually have seedling maintenance in the title!

[@PLD244]

@@shesamadgardener Thank you! I will check them out. Is it reasonable to go from a 1" to a 2.5 on geraniums or should I go straight to 4"?

[@wahabrazakmayahi7153]

Hi , kindly did you make an update for those seeds as you have promised us , I would like very much to keep updating with it even if it’s just a reel…. Thank you very much

[@shesamadgardener]

Yep! I did several updates throughout the season … the videos are typically titled Seedling Updates … there are several but I have linked one of them for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5zOZpKmnMiipKMsi=VmmDlTzfbQN7_xLA

[@reneem4410]

Great video! I’m going to follow your instructions but I have a question, & if you have already answered it I apologize, it’s about watering. After the initial water in the trays will I add additional water before germination? If so when, how often & how much? Thank you & happy growing!

[@shesamadgardener]

You need watch the humidity domes and make sure everything inside is nice and saturated … if the domes start to look dry, then add water … never let them dry out!

[@rollingthunder4599]

I'm just like you, except I've never grown coleus outside. Haha. What lights are you using for grow lights on your shelves??

[@shesamadgardener]

I have them listed in my Amazon storefront … link in the video description.

[@hd1ab1]

First, I'm really enjoying your new intros!! Second, 2 years ago I had coleus outside and brought one plant of each variety(2) in for the winter. (with little tiny bugs because I didn't know you should clean them off first😢). But... they survived and I took cuttings in the spring to have more plants which grew beautifully in the garden. So, of course I figured I could just take cuttings to overwinter instead of the whole plant. However, every cutting I took didn't root, so I ended up with nothing for this year. I was going to try seeds, and still might, but for now my garden will be coleus-free. I really like the last variety you showed.

[@shesamadgardener]

Interesting that the second round of cutting didn’t work out … I’m hoping I can take cuttings for years to save money. And thanks about the intro.

[@vickirickman9373]

Hi Amanda QUESTION ….. how many seeds should I start to do 2. 12- 14 inch pots? I have never grew these before. Not sure exactly what I’m doing but you were very helpful to at least get me started So, thank you very much Look forward to hearing from you

[@shesamadgardener]

I would start at least 12 … then you have extras if some don’t work out.

[@vickirickman9373]

@@shesamadgardener Wow, you are quick 😊 So then I would put approximately Six seeds, approximately for 12 inch pot correct?

[@tedjeremenko9144]

How long do you keep the lights on in the beginning of

[@shesamadgardener]

I keep them on 16 hours a day … you should keep yours on a minimum of 14 hours per day.

[@terriesther503]

Question. If I have my seeds under lamps and in a room @75 degrees, is it still necessary to use heating pads?

[@shesamadgardener]

As long as the temp of your space is the correct temp for germination that coleus require, then you should be fine.

[@rclark297]

Before a saw your video, I put like, 6-8 seeds together. They're all sprouting. Suggestions on what to do now? They are still tiny. Thanks in advance.

[@shesamadgardener]

You can carefully pull the seedlings apart and repot them in their own containers.

[@rclark297]

Thanks. I guess I'll wait until they are about an inch. Right now they are only about 1/4". Thank you for your response

[@hopestorey]

do I need to cover my seeds with plastic cover if I have a portable green house with a grow light

[@shesamadgardener]

Covering them helps them stay moist until they sprout.

[@dianehoffman3508]

Do you think coleus seeds can be started with winter planted in jugs? If so, when would you start your coleus? Thank you! I appreciate all the information you give on your channel.

[@shesamadgardener]

They really don’t like the cold, so I would wait closer to the last frost which works out fine … the only difference is that you won’t have them right at the beginning of the season, but that’s fine!

[@dianehoffman3508]

Thank you!@@shesamadgardener

[@zari5972]

I got my seeds from the dollar tree. I have no idea if that matters or not. They are a lot of seeds in it. Will find out lol

[@shesamadgardener]

I’ve grown lots from the dollar store and they do great!

[@zari5972]

@@shesamadgardener thanks for letting me know! I'm looking forward to it now haha

[@lawandawhite8469]

Can you use miracle grow potting soil?

[@shesamadgardener]

I’ve never tried it but I suggest starting with something that does not have the built in fertilizer if possible.

[@lawandawhite8469]

@@shesamadgardener what brand of soil because Iam trying to grow coleus flowers you prefer?

[@whoDatBeDare]

Once germinated heat mats off.

[@shesamadgardener]

Yep

[@dl2623]

Won't buy coleus plant again because it's soooo easy to start seeds. I grab my packs from Target. Since it's a foliage plant, you can see it's leaf color at a just small seedling. Once you pot it up, watch out! They grow fast - yay!! My coleus easily grew to two to three feet. I have to punch blooms off a lot since they tend to flower sooner when grown from seed. Water propagation is not the best for me since the roots don't behave once potted in soil. You can stick the cuttings straight in soil which I do during the Summer for more plants and extended season. I love all coleus varieties. Have fun!

[@shesamadgardener]

I’ve got about 50 starts that were propagated in soil and then the water ones that you all saw … an experiment to see which works out best!

[@annsmith5625]

⚾️

[@shesamadgardener]

🌻🌻🌻