Unless you take precautions beforehand, that first bout of cold weather or frost will quickly kill off your coleus plants. Therefore, winterizing coleus is important.
Wintering a Coleus Plant
Overwintering coleus plants is actually quite easy. They can be dug up and overwintered indoors, or you can take cuttings from your healthy plants to make additional stock for next season's garden.
How to Keep Coleus Through Winter
Given adequate light, coleus overwinters easily indoors. Dig up healthy plants in the fall, just before cold weather hits. Make sure you get as much of the root system as possible. Pot your plants in suitable containers with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. It may also help to trim back the top half of growth to reduce shock, though this is not required. Allow your plants to acclimate for about a week or so prior to moving them inside. Then place the newly potted plants in a sunny location, such as a south- or southeast-facing window, and water only as needed. If desired, you can include half-strength fertilizer once a month with your regular watering regimen. You may also want to keep new growth pinched to maintain a bushier appearance. In spring you can replant the coleus back in the garden.
How to Overwinter Coleus Cuttings
Alternatively, you can learn how to keep coleus through winter by taking cuttings. Simply root three- to four-inch (7-13 cm.) cuttings prior to cold weather by potting them up and moving them indoors. Remove the bottom leaves of each cutting and insert the cut ends into damp potting soil, peat moss, or sand. If desired, you can dip the ends in rooting hormone, but you don't have to since coleus plants root readily. Keep them moist in bright, indirect light for about six weeks, at which time they should have enough root growth for transplanting to larger pots. Likewise, you can keep them in the same pots. Either way, move them to a brighter location, such as a sunny window. Note: You can even root coleus in water and then pot up the plants once rooted. Move the plants outdoors once the warmer spring weather returns.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Indoor Coleus Care: How To Grow A Coleus HouseplantCan I grow coleus indoors? Sure, why not? Although coleus is typically grown outdoors as an annual, its vibrant leaves provide many months of enjoyment indoors if growing conditions are just right. Click here to learn more about growing coleus as an indoor plant.
-
Potted Coleus Care: Tips On Growing Coleus In A PotIt's not known for its flowers, but for its beautiful and vibrantly colored leaves. Coleus is also well suited to growing in containers. But how do you grow coleus in pots? Learn about potted coleus care and how to grow coleus in containers here.
-
Coleus Plant Has Flower Spikes: What To Do With Coleus BloomsColeus plant flowering signals that winter is coming and the plant should produce seed to continue its genetic dynasty, but often leads to a rangy plant. It?s best to learn what to do with coleus blooms if you want to keep a compact plant. This article will help.
-
Information About Under The Sea Coleus CollectionWhen I came across Under the Sea coleus plants, I was quite taken aback. This was indeed something I wanted not only to grow but to share its unusual beauty with others. What is all the hoopla about? Read this article to learn more.
-
How To Propagate Coleus From Seed Or CuttingsThe shade loving coleus is a favorite among shade and container gardeners. Many gardeners wonder if coleus propagation can be done at home. The answer is, yes, and this article will help.
-
Coleus Care Guide: Everything You Need To KnowDramatic and colorful, coleus plants are a staple in warm zones and containers, and they love partial shade.
