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 calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted 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.
- Coleus (HGIC 1162)
Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- 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.