Question

Coleus.
I tried growing these from seed. Very low propagation percentage. But we have a few that made it. So! Anyone have success with wintering these annuals over in their house and having a larger & a plant with a thicker foliage the second year? I've read that you can prune these back and they will last numerous seasons.

bigpawbullets 9

Answer 1

Yep, you can trim Coleus back in around autumn -early winter.
I tried it last autumn/winter here, but cut them back to about 4-6 inches above soil level, cut the base out a 2 litre clear plastic drink bottle. remove the cap then place the drink bottle over them as a kind of 'glasshouse' effect.
If you want your Coleus to grow thicker and bushier rather than becoming 'leggy and straggley' nip out the growing tips when the plants reach about 12-18 inches in height.
and try to add some 'natural' fertilizer, either aged chicken manure or aged goat manure, about a half a tea cup per plant about every 3 -4 weeks, they really thrive on 'natural' fertilizer.
Watch out for little green/olive coloured caterpillars that attack the leaves, I'm battling those hungry little pests at the moment, if anyone has a non-toxic solution I can use I'd be very grateful to hear it.

Answer 2

I haven't seen them get this leggy. I was just thinking of grabbing my geraniums before our hard frost.


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