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Disappointing Coleus

SpringBobSpringBob Posts: 16
in Plants
Hi all,

I like to have Coleus in the garden each year for the colours it provides, over the past few years I have been disappointed by the lack of colours from the seed I've grown. This year having tried another different supplier I have mostly all green plants.
Can anyone recommend a Variety and Supplier that will provide a bright mix of colour for next year ?

Thanks in advance
Bob
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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,973
    Are you growing from seed or ...?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,317
    I often grow Chocolate Covered Cherry from Mr Fothergills-
    https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Flower-Seed/Coleus-Seed/Coleus-Chocolate-Covered-Cherry-Seeds.html#.YMG-bPn0laQ


    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,973
    edited June 2021
    These are seedlings from
    a pack of Mt Fothergill’s Flame Dancers



    Hmm there’s obviously a slug got into the coldframe 😡 

    They’re a bit later than I wanted to be but the cold spring meant I had no room indoors to start them off.  The plan is to take cuttings from the best ones for next year. 

    I find the ones that start green often develop yellow markings later than the red colours  ... they’re just beginning to show on some of these. 
    I didn’t prick them out until I could see some yellow. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • SpringBobSpringBob Posts: 16
    Hi Dovefromabove,

    I grow from seed, mine were started indoors so quite a bit more advanced, almost ready for planting and not a hint of yellow in the green plants.
    And not really matching the catalogue picture.
    Looking at Pete.8's I may try some of Mr Fothergill's next year.
  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 969
    I’m not having much luck either this year. All looking very much basic reddish brown. Don’t see any vibrant pinks at all this year. 
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • squirral87k4-WvGwTsquirral87k4-WvGwT Posts: 167
    Don’t they change colour depending on sun exposure? Mine went from green to dark red in the sun… why don’t you try putting some in the sun and see if it makes a difference?
  • squirral87k4-WvGwTsquirral87k4-WvGwT Posts: 167
    Pete.8 said:
    I often grow Chocolate Covered Cherry from Mr Fothergills-
    https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Flower-Seed/Coleus-Seed/Coleus-Chocolate-Covered-Cherry-Seeds.html#.YMG-bPn0laQ


    That’s stunning. How many many plants are in that pot?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,973
    I might get this mix another year … https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Flower-Seed/Coleus-Seed/Coleus-Wizard-Mixed-Seeds.html#.YMbgdeR4XYUs 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,317
    Thanks @squirral87k4-WvGwT - I think I had 3 in each pot.
    They do give a lovely, long-lasting display
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Well mine was even more disappointing because not a single seed germinated - think they were just too old but it does put me off trying them again.
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