Month-by-Month Coleus Care Calendar: Your Complete Annual Guide
- Alla P.
- Aug 3, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Whether you're growing classic varieties like Coleus Henna or dramatic selections like Black Dragon, success with coleus depends on understanding their seasonal needs. This comprehensive month-by-month guide walks you through every stage of coleus care, ensuring vibrant foliage from spring through fall and successful overwintering for next year's display.
Quick Overview: Coleus Through the Seasons
Before diving into monthly specifics, here's what to expect:
Spring (March-May): Starting seeds, preparing beds, early planting
Summer (June-August): Peak growth, maintenance
Fall (September-November): Enjoying peak color, winter prep
Winter (December-February): Indoor care, planning next year's garden
Coleus in January: Winter Planning & Indoor Care
Indoor Coleus Care
Light: Place near bright, indirect light or supplement with grow lights.
Water: Reduce watering frequency; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Temperature: Maintain 60-70°F (15-21°C); avoid cold drafts.
Humidity: Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifiers.
Planning Ahead
Order seed catalogs and plan new varieties to try.
Clean and organize seed-starting supplies.
Check stored cuttings for disease or pest issues.
Research new coleus varieties like Twist and Twirl® or Colocha Sunset.
Pro Tip: January is perfect for experimenting with coleus as houseplants. They add tropical color to winter-dreary rooms.
Coleus in February: Seed Starting Prep
Late February Coleus Tasks
Start coleus seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost.
Prepare seed-starting mix (use sterile, well-draining medium).
Set up grow lights or identify sunny windowsills.
Test germination of saved seeds.
Coleus Seed Starting Tips
Surface sow seeds; coleus needs light to germinate.
Maintain 70-75°F (21-24°C) soil temperature.
Keep consistently moist with a dome or plastic cover.
Expect germination in 10-14 days.
Common Mistake: Don't start too early! Coleus grows quickly and becomes leggy if kept indoors too long.
Coleus in March: Active Seed Starting
Coleus Early-Mid March
Continue starting seeds in batches for succession planting.
Transplant seedlings when first true leaves appear.
Begin fertilizing seedlings weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength).
For Overwintered Coleus Plants
Increase watering frequency as growth resumes.
Prune leggy growth to encourage bushiness.
Check for pests (spider mites, mealybugs common indoors).
Growth Hack: Pinch seedlings when they reach 4-6 inches to promote branching.
Coleus in April: Hardening Off & Early Planting
Coleus Hardening Off Process (7-10 days)
Start with 1-2 hours of filtered sunlight.
Gradually increase exposure daily.
Bring indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Watch for wilting or sun damage.
Coleus Late April (Warm Zones)
Plant outdoors after soil reaches 60°F (15°C).
Amend beds with compost or well-rotted manure.
Space plants according to variety (typically 10-14 inches).
Critical: Coleus is extremely frost-sensitive. Wait until all danger of frost has passed.
Coleus in May: Main Planting Season
Coleus Planting Guidelines
Sun Exposure: Match variety to light conditions (sun-tolerant varieties for full sun).
Soil Prep: Work in 2-3 inches of organic matter.
Spacing: Allow room for full mature size.
Watering: Deep water after planting.
Early Coleus Care
Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Begin regular fertilization program (every 2 weeks).
Pinch growing tips to encourage branching.
Watch for slug and snail damage on young plants.
Designer Tip: Plant in masses for dramatic impact, or use as a thriller in container combinations.
Coleus in June: Rapid Growth Phase
Coleus Maintenance Tasks
Watering: Increase frequency; coleus prefers consistent moisture.
Fertilizing: Switch to weekly feeding during peak growth.
Pinching: Continue pinching for bushier plants.
Deadheading: Remove flower spikes to maintain foliage.
Problem Solving
Pale leaves indicate too much sun or nutrient deficiency.
Coleus in July: Peak Summer Care
Hot Weather Coleus Management
Morning Watering: Prevents midday stress.
Shade Protection: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Mulch Maintenance: Refresh to 2-3 inch depth.
Container Care: May need twice-daily watering.
Mid-Summer Coleus Refresh
Prune leggy growth by 1/3 to rejuvenate.
Side-dress with compost or slow-release fertilizer.
Check for Japanese beetles and other pests.
Success Secret: Coleus in containers benefits from water-soluble fertilizer with every watering (diluted to 1/4 strength).
Coleus in August: Maintaining the Show
Late Summer Coleus Tasks
Continue regular watering and feeding.
Evaluate varieties for next year's garden.
Photograph favorite combinations.
Coleus Planning Ahead
Order supplies for overwintering.
Note which varieties performed best.
Coleus in September: Transition Time
Early Fall Coleus Care
Reduce fertilization frequency.
Continue deadheading flower spikes.
Monitor nighttime temperatures.
Prepare indoor growing spaces.
Timing Alert
When nighttime temps approach 50°F (10°C), it's time to act.
Coleus in October: Winter Preparation
Coleus Overwintering Options
Potted Plants: Dig and pot entire plants.
Indoor Migration: Move containers inside.
Coleus Transition Care
Gradually acclimate plants to indoor conditions.
Treat for pests before bringing inside.
Reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
Expect some leaf drop during adjustment.
Space Saver: Focus on saving unique varieties like Kong series that may be hard to replace.
Coleus in November: Indoor Establishment
Coleus Indoor Setup
Place in brightest available light.
Maintain 60-70°F (15-21°C) temperatures.
Water when the top inch of soil dries.
Monitor for pest issues.
Garden Cleanup
Compost frost-killed plants.
Clean and store garden supplies.
Make notes about successes and failures.
Order seed for next year.
Design Note: Now's the time to plan next year's color combinations and garden layout.
Coleus in December: Minimal Care Month
Coleus Indoor Maintenance
Water sparingly; overwatering is the #1 killer.
No fertilization needed during dormancy.
Provide humidity without overwatering.
Turn plants weekly for even growth.
Holiday Bonus
Coleus makes excellent holiday greenery.
Take cuttings for colorful gifts.
Use in winter arrangements.
Year-End Reflection: Review photos and notes to plan an even better coleus display next year.
Coleus Year-Round Success Tips
Universal Truths
Coleus thrives with consistent moisture but not wet feet.
More sun = more vibrant colors (for sun-tolerant varieties).
Regular pinching = bushier plants.
Feed regularly during active growth.
Common Coleus Problems & Solutions
Leggy Growth: Insufficient light or lack of pinching.
Faded Colors: Often too much shade or poor nutrition.
Wilting: Check for dry soil or root rot.
Pest Issues: Inspect regularly and treat promptly.
Your Coleus Calendar Checklist
Print this quick-reference guide:
Winter: Plan, maintain indoor plants, order seeds.
Spring: Start seeds, harden off, plant out.
Summer: Water, feed, pinch.
Fall: Prepare for winter, transition indoors.
Success with coleus isn't complicated—it's about timing your care to match their seasonal needs. By following this month-by-month guide, you'll enjoy vibrant foliage from spring through fall and successfully maintain your favorite varieties through winter. Whether you're growing a single Coleus Henna or creating elaborate displays with multiple varieties, this calendar keeps you on track for coleus success.
Remember: every garden and climate is unique. Use this guide as your foundation, but adjust timing based on your local conditions and specific varieties. With attention to seasonal needs, your coleus collection will thrive year after year.
Have questions about specific coleus varieties or care challenges? Browse our complete collection of *coleus growing guides or visit our shop to discover new varieties for your garden
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