Rainbow Mix Coleus Seeds

The first time we saw coleus we fell in love with the vibrant foliage that is so visually striking and diverse. It’s a show stopper in the shade garden and adds color to the drab parts of the garden. This eye-catching Rainbow Mix Coleus produces beautiful foliage for garden beds and borders. Colorful solid and bi-colored leaves add contrast to containers and floral arrangements with shades of red, green, yellow, maroon, and pink.

For germination, press seeds into the soil and barely cover them. Seeds need light to germinate. Plants are ornamental and easy to grow; even in shady parts of the garden!

Planting by Zones

Zones 9–10

• Coleus seeds are very small and for that reason, we recommend you start them in a seed starting tray and transplant them out. Gently press the tiny seeds into the top of the soil for best germination. In Zones 9 and 10, this is a great plant to start through the fall and winter months to have tons of color to add to the garden. This tender annual is frost-sensitive, so if you live in an area with harsher winters, wait till early spring. For the majority of us in Zones 9 and 10, you can plant coleus all throughout winter. Coleus also makes a great house plant!
• To hasten germination, you can use a heating pad.

Zones 3–8

• Start 8-12 weeks before the last frost indoors. Coleus is a tender annual and only should be planted outdoors when the threat of frost is gone.

Planting Coleus Seeds

• Coleus seeds are very small and do not require soil to be placed on top of the seeds. Light can aid in germination.

Growing Coleus

• Coleus does amazing in containers and is a go-to choice for the “Thriller, Killer, and Spiller” method of filling containers. The amazing array of colors and variegation make it a great companion to almost any flower.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In much of Zones 9 and 10 coleus will thrive in the coolest areas of the garden throughout spring. As the weather gets hot and dry in the summer, coleus will start to struggle. Best planted in cool areas or in pots that can be moved. Pinch the flowers to encourage more foliage. 

Companion Flowers/ Crops

• Does great with other shade-tolerant cool-season flowers like nasturtium, borage, and alyssum. Search all our flower varieties here.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!