Re: [SG] Coleus

>Could a person direct seed coleus with good results?

I have not had good results trying this.  The seeds are very small and the
seedlings are, too.  They grow very slowly at first (and the slowest
growing seedlings are likely to be the best plants).  Better to start them
in containers and transplant them at 4-6".

My experience has been that most of the newer seed strains of coleus don't
make very good bedding plants.  They have been bred mostly for use in
containers.  Most of them are also quite dwarf and do not have a great
garden impact.  They do not compare favorably with the cutting-propagated
varieties.

Also, the seed strains are "annuals" that tend to try to bloom fairly
early, and this brings the usefulness of the plants to an end, as even
pinched plants continue to try to bloom and soon look poorly.  Cuttings
from plants that have already started to bloom also try to bloom and do not
'rejuvenate.'  In contrast, most of the cutting-propagated varieties are
"perennials" that need a very long warm season to induce bloom.  Here in
Virginia, they don't even make the attempt until almost 7 months outdoors
(April-October).  New cuts taken in August root readily and stay "young."

Also the named varieties are much more robust than the seed strains, with
larger leaves (to 8" across) and taller plants (to 4 ft.). They hold their
own in the border or in a bedding scheme.

I take one cutting of each variety in August and hold that plant over as a
stock plant for fresh cuttings in March, which will produce my summer
plants for the garden and patio containers.

To those who have responded to my first coleus posting:  I'm making up a
reply list so we can discuss exchanges further, off-list.  You'll be
hearing from me soon.  If anyone else on the list would like to be
included, let me know.

Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
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