Coleus, prized for its foliage in a thousand shades, is easy to propagate. This frost-tender perennial, grown as an annual in our climate, is ideal for propagation by cuttings, the most reliable method to preserve the characteristics of a coloured, vigorous specimen. Sowing is also possible, but it does not guarantee fidelity of leaf colours. Discover our tips to propagate Coleus and obtain new colourful plants.

A young cutting of Coleus

Propagate Coleus by cuttings

When to propagate Coleus?

The best time to propagate Coleus is between May and September, when the plant is in active growth. Avoid flowering periods, as the plant then concentrates its energy on flower production, which hinders root development. Choose mild days, protected from strong heat and direct sun.

How to propagate Coleus?

1- Take a healthy stem cutting from a well-developed, non-flowering Coleus, about 10 cm long. Cut just below a node (that is, below a leaf), as this is where roots will form naturally.

2- Remove the lower leaves and keep only two or three leaves at the top. This reduces stress on the cutting and encourages rooting.

3- Place the cutting in water, preferably rainwater (or tap water left to stand for 24 hours) at room temperature. You can also plant it directly in a small pot filled with seed compost, light and moist.

Coleus cuttings

4- Keep the cutting indoors, near a window but out of direct sun (either behind a light curtain or a window facing east or west), in a warm room, around 17–22 °C.

5- Change the water every 3–4 days. If potted, keep the compost slightly moist, without excess.

6- Wait for roots to appear, usually after 10–15 days. When roots reach about 3–4 cm, the cutting is ready to be potted on.

7- Plant Coleus in a pot or outdoors after gradual hardening-off, especially if continuing cultivation outside.

Coleus cuttings with roots

This method preserves all characteristics of the parent plant, notably leaf shape and colours. It is ideal for regularly renewing plantings, especially at the end of summer, to overwinter young plants indoors.

Tips:

  • Pinch back young plants regularly during winter to stimulate branching and obtain a denser, more balanced habit.
  • The following spring, plant cuttings outdoors or in pots, as soon as risk of frost has passed, generally from mid-May.

Propagate Coleus by sowing

Sowing Coleus also allows propagation of this ornamental plant, but young plants' colours may vary, as seeds do not always produce faithful specimens. This method is mainly suitable for experimenting with new leaf colour variations.

  1. Sow under cover indoors, between February and April, in a seed tray or a shallow container.
  2. Place seeds on the surface of a special seed compost, without covering them.
  3. Mist lightly to moisten the compost, then place under a cloche or in a mini-greenhouse, at a temperature between 18 and 22 °C. Germination generally occurs within 10–15 days.
  4. When seedlings have several leaves, prick them out gently into individual pots.
  5. Wait until the last frosts have passed before planting young Coleus outdoors or in planters.