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Coleus growing in a garden

Annual flower

Coleus plant profile

Coleus scutellarioides

An annual flower for partial sun.

Last updated .

When to plant

When to plant Coleus

Coleus is a tender, warm-season annual killed by the first frost, so it is set out after frost danger passes. Clemson notes seed sown indoors takes 10 to 15 days to germinate and 6 to 8 weeks to reach a size suitable for transplanting outdoors.

The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.

Open Coleus in my garden calendar

This uses the published planting season. It is not adjusted to local frost dates.

Growing conditions

Sun
Partial sun
Lifecycle
Annual

Common problems

Watch for these

Also watch for: mealybugs, whiteflies, stem rot.

Evidence trail

Evidence behind this profile

Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.

  1. Coleus (HGIC 1162)

    Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.

  2. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Coleus (Coleus species) entry

    ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.