Rainbow Mix Coleus

Rainbow Mix Coleus is the perfect way to add a burst of color to dark spaces! This improved mixture of shade-loving perennials features a spectacular array of foliage colors, including red, pink, purple, green, and yellow, with intricate patterns. Rainbow Mix Coleus leaves can change color intensity depending on the amount of light they receive, becoming more vivid when exposed to brighter light. Growing to a height of 12-24 inches and spreading 12-18 inches wide, Rainbow Mix Coleus thrives in partial to full shade, making it perfect for borders, containers, and shaded garden beds. Coleus were especially popular in the 19th century for creating colorful garden displays and intricate bedding patterns, known as "carpet gardening." In addition to its ornamental appeal, Rainbow Coleus can be used in floral arrangements and as an accent plant in both indoor and outdoor settings. 

Also Known As:  Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, Coleus Blumei, Coleus Blumei, Plectranthus Scutellarioides, Common Coleus, Garden Coleus, Colorful Coleus, Coleus Hybrid.

Plant Name:	Coleus, Rainbow Mix
Latin Name:	Solenostemon scutellarioides
Days to Germinate:	10 - 20
Days to Bloom:	10-60
Plant Height:	1 - 2 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 inches
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 6 Inches (Leaves)
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Perennial 10 - 11
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Optionally, start planting Coleus indoors 6-8 before the last expected frost in spring. Directly Sowing: If directly sowing, plant Coleus after all danger of frost has passed in Spring and the soil warms to at least 60F. In mild climates, you can plant seeds in late fall to overwinter in the soil. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 10 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 5 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 10 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	10 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Once established, Rainbow Coleus are hardy, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal maintenance. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells. Optionally, during the growing season, feed coleus with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage strong growth and maintain its vibrant colors. To keep the plant bushy and compact, pinch back the growing tips or prune leggy stems, which also helps prevent flowering. If the plant starts to bloom, remove the flowers promptly, as they can reduce the plant's energy for foliage growth. Heat-tolerant annual or perennial if managed.