Coleus seeds — foliage in every colour
Coleus is grown not for flowers but for its astonishing leaves — velvety foliage splashed, veined and edged in lime, burgundy, pink, bronze and near-black, bringing season-long colour to shade. It sits among our ornamental flower seed range, listed botanically as Coleus blumei. New to flowers? Our flower growing guide gets you started.
Few plants light up a shady spot like coleus — the calendar shows when to sow.
Colour for shade and containers
Happy in part shade where many flowers sulk, coleus is a star foliage plant for containers and shady beds, and pairs beautifully with our ornamental flowers for bold leaf-and-bloom combinations. For its botany, see Coleus blumei.
Growing coleus from seed
Sow under cover in spring, pressing the fine seed onto the surface as it needs light to germinate, and keep it warm. Plant out after the last frost into rich, moist soil in part shade, and pinch out the tips regularly to keep plants bushy — remove any flower spikes to focus energy on the leaves.
Planning a foliage or shade scheme? Here's where to look next.
Popular flower categories: Coleus blumei · Container Flowers · Ornamental Flowers · Annual Flowers · All Flower Seeds
At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.
Is coleus grown for flowers or leaves?For its leaves — the brilliantly coloured foliage is the attraction, and flower spikes are usually pinched out.
Does coleus grow in shade?Yes — it is happiest in part shade, making it a valuable colour plant where many flowers struggle.
When should I sow coleus seeds?Sow under cover in spring, pressing seed onto the surface as it needs light. See our
flower sowing calendar for timing.
How do I keep coleus bushy?Pinch out the growing tips regularly and remove flower spikes to encourage dense, leafy growth.