Colocha Red Coleus in a terracotta pot on a white background.
A detailed close-up of Colocha Red Coleus growing in the garden at Baker Creek.
Colocha Red Coleus blooming with tiny blue and white flowers in the garden at Baker Creek.
Colocha Red Coleus in a terracotta pot on a white background.
A detailed close-up of Colocha Red Coleus growing in the garden at Baker Creek.
Colocha Red Coleus blooming with tiny blue and white flowers in the garden at Baker Creek.

Coleus Seeds,
Colocha Red

SKU: #FL1057Min. seed count: 35
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Description

We’re thrilled to offer this eye-catching variation of the traditional coleus. The striking, wavy leaves and beautifully soft, ruffled edges of Colocha Red offer a stunning twist on the familiar types. The interior of the leaves are a captivating rosy-red color, transitioning to a slightly darker leaf edge, creating depth before the brilliant lime green offers a pop of contrast. Developed by our friends at Černý Seeds, Colocha Red brings bold color and texture to any garden or container, especially in shaded areas where its rich tones can truly shine. With its dynamic, almost swirling leaf form, this coleus is perfect for adding elegance and drama to your outdoor space. An absolute must-have for garden lovers seeking something both unique and show-stopping!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Coleus scutellarioides
Life Cycle
Perennial
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
63–84
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start Colocha Red indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date and move the seedlings out only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is quite warm, setting them 12-18 inches apart. Direct sowing works under those same warm conditions. These super cold-sensitive plants will be killed even by light frost, so before the first fall frost take cuttings and root them for indoor winter house plants. Figure 63-84 days from sowing to maturity.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
  • Surface sow seeds and lightly cover with a thin layer of fine potting soil.
  • A humidity dome will help to keep seeds moist and warm until they germinate (dome is not necessary, just helpful).
  • Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed and soil is quite warm, or start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost and transplant out.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-78 F.

How to Grow

  • Plants prefer shade or part sun and rich, well-drained soil with plenty of moisture.
  • Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
  • Keep the small, inconspicuous flower spikes pinched back (like basil) to encourage healthy bushy foliar growth.
  • Plants easily propagate from cuttings.
  • Before first frost, take cuttings and root for indoor winter house plants. These super cold-sensitive plants will be killed even by light frost.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A number of soft-bodied insects may attack your coleus, from mealybugs to aphids and spider mites. Be sure to treat these infected plants regularly and thoroughly with organic approved horticulture soaps.

How to Save Seeds

Seed saving is possible with coleus, but be aware that there will always be a bit of genetic variation in plants grown from seed.

  • Allow flower spikes to mature on plant before harvesting seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
  • It is also possible (and very easy) to propagate coleus from cutting; simply snip and root a few cuttings in late summer and keep indoors overwinter as a house plant. Propagate cuttings from this mother plant in spring and transplant rooted cuttings outdoors after frost.

FAQ

Will Colocha Red come back next year?

Its listed life cycle is perennial, for Zones 10-11. These super cold-sensitive plants will be killed even by light frost, but you can take cuttings before first frost and root them for indoor winter house plants.

Can I save seed from Colocha Red?

Coleus crosses freely between plants, so seed saved from Colocha Red will not come true; seedlings vary widely in leaf color, edge color and in the wavy, ruffled leaf form that makes this variety what it is. Allow flower spikes to mature on the plant before harvesting seeds and store them in a cool, dark, dry place. It is also possible, and very easy, to propagate coleus from cuttings.

What pests should I watch for on Colocha Red?

A number of soft-bodied insects may attack coleus, from mealybugs to aphids and spider mites. Treat infected plants regularly and thoroughly with organic approved horticulture soaps.
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