Any tips on success growing coleus from seeds.
Best Answer
@StirringKaro21 Okay Maria, growing Coleus from seed is like assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded with a baby screaming in the background (and the baby is the seed)β¦.. like @OhGollyItsJolly mentioned Fresh seeds only. Old seeds? Thatβs expired formula. Ainβt nothing growing from thatβ¦No burying!
These seeds are drama queens press them gently into the surface like youβre tucking in a toddler who might explode if disturbed. Moisture, not a swamp.
Mist like itβs a skincare routine dewy, not drenched. Bright, indirect light. No direct spotlight, theyβre not ready for their debut yet. Cover up! Think of it like a plant incubator cling wrap, humidity dome, or a clear takeout box. Just crack it open once in a while for fresh air, or theyβll get fussy. And if the pot has no drainage? Girl, thatβs like putting a baby in a diaper with no tabs. Fix that before the tantrum (aka root rot) hitsβ¦.Youβve got this! Let the chaos begin
These seeds are drama queens press them gently into the surface like youβre tucking in a toddler who might explode if disturbed. Moisture, not a swamp.
Mist like itβs a skincare routine dewy, not drenched. Bright, indirect light. No direct spotlight, theyβre not ready for their debut yet. Cover up! Think of it like a plant incubator cling wrap, humidity dome, or a clear takeout box. Just crack it open once in a while for fresh air, or theyβll get fussy. And if the pot has no drainage? Girl, thatβs like putting a baby in a diaper with no tabs. Fix that before the tantrum (aka root rot) hitsβ¦.Youβve got this! Let the chaos begin
@OhGollyItsJolly Totally feel you, Jolly! Coleus doesnβt grow from bulbs or corms like elephant ears or caladiums, BUT yes, theyβre super easy to clone from cuttings!Just snip a healthy stem below a leaf node, pop it in water, and boom roots in a week or two. Theyβre basically the overachievers of the propagation world. No seeds needed, no drama. Just snip, sip, root, repeat.
@OhGollyItsJolly Youβll end up with enough to fill your yard and become the neighborhood plant dealer. Definitely snag one next time you wonβt regret it! π
@JungleDreamer thanks so much for your help. So, I have put these plastic bags over the top. Do I keep misting them a little daily with the spray bottle. When I went to water it today, it was quite moist inside. Please let me know.
@StirringKaro21 Oooohhh look at you go, Maria! Plastic bag greenhouse game: strong. If itβs feeling moist in there, thatβs perfectβ¦like a lil spa day for your seeds. No need to mist daily if itβs already steamy inside. Just keep it like a skincare routine: dewy, not drenched. Think K-beauty glow, not accidental face wash in the showerβ¦..Crack the bag open once in a while to let them breathe these seeds are high maintenance divas, remember? No soggy drama allowed! Youβre doing amazing, keep an eye on that light and air, and let those future Coleus stars rise.
@JungleDreamer how long or how often should I remove the plastic bags to let them breathe? Like couple of seconds or like 5-10 minutes a day?
@StirringKaro21 most seedlings in a plastic bag setup, opening the bag once a day for 5β10 minutes is ideal. That gives them a healthy air exchange and prevents excess moisture buildup, which can lead to damping off (a common fungal issue in humid setups). Think of it as daily ventilation therapykeeps the environment fresh without drying them outβ¦Once you start seeing sprouts, you can slowly increase the venting time and eventually wean them off the humidity dome (bag) completely over a few days. Youβre creating a gentle transition from spa life to real world plant adulting. π Keep light, moisture, and airflow balanced and those Coleus stars will shine!
@JungleDreamer A little update as Iβm seeing some tiny seedlings starting their debut in one of the 2 plants! Do I start ventilating this one more by removing the plastic cover more often. This is super exciting! π
@StirringKaro21 yes, nowβs the perfect time to slowly introduce them to the real world! Start cracking that dome open a bit more each dayβthink of it like leaving the spa to catch a breeze but still sipping cucumber water. π Maybe start with 30 minutes to an hour, then increase daily. If they stay perky and donβt flop like overcooked spaghetti, youβre golden!
@StirringKaro21 can you help please Iβm not seeing much progress for about a week. Iβm slowly weaning off the plastic bag. Misting lightly almost daily. How long does it usually take for these sprouts to grow. Also, any tips on care while away. Iβm worried theyβre still too little to leave for a few days.
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