Colocha Sunset Coleus in a terracotta pot on a white background.
Close-up view of Colocha Sunset Coleus leaves in a wooden box.
A gardener in overalls holding a potted Colocha Sunset Coleus plant.
Colocha Sunset Coleus leaves arranged in a wooden box on a light grey background.
A Colocha Sunset Coleus plant in pot sits on grey wood with a light background.
A smiling woman holding a potted Colocha Sunset Coleus plant on the front porch of the Seed Store.
Colocha Sunset Coleus in a terracotta pot on a white background.
Close-up view of Colocha Sunset Coleus leaves in a wooden box.
A gardener in overalls holding a potted Colocha Sunset Coleus plant.
Colocha Sunset Coleus leaves arranged in a wooden box on a light grey background.
A Colocha Sunset Coleus plant in pot sits on grey wood with a light background.
A smiling woman holding a potted Colocha Sunset Coleus plant on the front porch of the Seed Store.

Coleus Seeds,
Colocha Sunset

4.54 Reviews#FL451 · 35 seeds
Price
Regular price $4.50
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Description

A burst of tropical sunset colors and busy, frilled leaf edges makes this a unique and eye-catching coleus! The 12-inch-tall plants are compact and tidy with a full and bushy habit, and the foliage is reminiscent of tie dye. This ornamental has gotten tons of praise in the display gardens at Baker Creek, and it will stop you right in your tracks! Excellent for beds, borders, container gardens, or anywhere needing a pop of color!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Coleus scutellarioides
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–20
Days to Maturity
70–84
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Colocha Sunset is not frost hardy, so time everything from your last frost date. Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before that date and transplant out once all danger of frost has passed, or direct sow outdoors after frost once the soil is quite warm. Because the plants finish at only 12 inches tall and stay compact and tidy, they move easily from a cell tray straight into containers or the front of a border. Allow 70-84 days to maturity.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
  • Surface sow seeds and lightly cover with a thin layer of fine potting soil.
  • A humidity dome will help to keep seeds moist and warm until they germinate (dome is not necessary, just helpful).
  • Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed and soil is quite warm, or start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost and transplant out.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-78 F.

How to Grow

  • Plants prefer shade or part sun and rich, well-drained soil with plenty of moisture.
  • Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
  • Keep the small, inconspicuous flower spikes pinched back (like basil) to encourage healthy bushy foliar growth.
  • Plants easily propagate from cuttings.
  • Before first frost, take cuttings and root for indoor winter house plants. These super cold-sensitive plants will be killed even by light frost.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A number of soft-bodied insects may attack your coleus, from mealybugs to aphids and spider mites. Be sure to treat these infected plants regularly and thoroughly with organic approved horticulture soaps.

How to Save Seeds

Seed saving is possible with coleus, but be aware that there will always be a bit of genetic variation in plants grown from seed.

  • Allow flower spikes to mature on plant before harvesting seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
  • It is also possible (and very easy) to propagate coleus from cutting; simply snip and root a few cuttings in late summer and keep indoors overwinter as a house plant. Propagate cuttings from this mother plant in spring and transplant rooted cuttings outdoors after frost.

FAQ

How far apart should I space Colocha Sunset?

Set plants 6-8 inches apart. The 12-inch-tall plants are compact and tidy with a full and bushy habit.

What temperature do Colocha Sunset seeds need to sprout?

Ideal germination temperature is 70-78°F, with seedlings showing in 10-20 days. A humidity dome is not necessary, just helpful, keeping seeds moist and warm until they germinate.

Can I carry Colocha Sunset over to next year?

Yes. Before first frost, take cuttings and root them for indoor winter house plants, then propagate cuttings from that mother plant in spring and transplant the rooted cuttings outdoors after frost.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 4 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Stained-glass foliage: Bright patterned leaves make a full splash of color in pots.

  • Germinates well: Seeds come up easily indoors and seedlings stay healthy.

  • Heads up: Slow to size up; seedlings take months to fill out, so start early.

More to grow!

See all Coleus Seeds