Coleus making a comeback

Coleus are staging a new comeback. New gardeners are discovering coleus for the first time, delighting in how much foliage color this plant provides for the cost. Gone are the days of awkward, lanky plants with ugly, tall flowers. Today’s plants are much better branched, with more intense leaf coloration. Terra Nova Nurseries has done controlled breeding for the last decade and has introduced Coleus Terra Nova ‘Pepper Pot’ to the trade.

This is a vigorous, self-branching mounding plant with lime green leaves which age to bright lemon-yellow curiously marked with dark, cayenne-colored flecks. It is quite late to flower with short lavender-blue spikes toward the end of the gardening season, giving a late-season benefit for the user. These plants have excellent vigor and do well in containers and massed in the landscape.

Planting

Plant one plant per 4” pot or one per 1-gallon pot, using a well-draining commercial media.
Plants from plugs will be ready for spring sale in approximately six to seven weeks for gallon pots or three to four weeks for a 4” pot.

Growing

Maintain greenhouse temperatures at 70°-80°F during the day and 65°F at night.
Coleus do not like sudden temperature changes.
Soil pH: 5.8-7.0.
Soil EC: 1.0 to 2.0 mS/cm using the 2:1 extraction method.
Fertilizer: Provide a constant liquid feed at medium levels of 150-200 ppm nitrogen.
Let plants dry between watering. Do not overwater.
No vernalization required.
No PGRs are needed. This is a compact plant that should not require pinching
Perfect for 6 rack shipping.
Plants mature at 24” tall by 30” wide.

Pest and diseases

Very few pests and diseases.
All coleus are attractive to mealy bugs, so keep in clean greenhouses without pest-pressure.
A good preventive program is always key, along with maintaining good air circulation.
Lighting and day length:
Plants prefer shade to half-shade and are day-neutral.

For more information
Terra Nova Nurseries
Dan Heims
dan@terranovanurseries.com
www.terranovanurseries.com