How to quickly cultivate colorful coleus at home.

Coleus are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. While traditionally shade-tolerant, some modern varieties will thrive in the sun, too. Be sure to check with your garden nursery on the variety.

Leaf colors include: Green, Yellow, Pink, RColeus is in the Lamiaceae or mint family. Although traditionally shade tolerant, some modern varieties will thrive in sun as well. Be sure to check with your nursery about the variety.

Leaf colors include: green, yellow, pink, red, purple and maroon. The plant sometimes flowers at the end of long stems; trim the stems for a more compact, bushy plant.

PLANTINGColeus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region.Set out the plants after all risk of frost has passed.Choose a location that is protected from wind. Coleus stems break off easily.Coleus needs well-draining soil.Water the plant thoroughly after planting.During the first week after planting, keep the root ball moist but not too wet.GROWINGColeus will rot if overwatered, so water only when the top inch of soil is dry.Frequently pinch growing shoots of young plants to encourage branching and bushy growth.

Fertilize in mid-summer with a liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength.Cut off flower spikes in late summer to extend the life of the plant and encourage the growth of new colorful leaves.Wintering ColeusIn colder regions, take cuttings from your plants before the first frost in the fall and place them in water to root.Plant the rooted cuttings in small pots and store near a sunny window for the winter.ed, Purple, and Maroon. The plant does bloom occasionally at the end of long stalks; trim the stalks for a more compact, bushy plant.

PLANTINGColeus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region.Set plants out after all danger of frost has passed.Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Coleus stems break easily.Coleus need well-draining soil.Water the plant thoroughly after planting.During the first week after planting, keep the root ball moist but not too wet.GROWINGColeus will rot if overwatered, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry.Pinch growing shoots of young plants frequently to encourage branching and bushier growth.Fertilize in mid-summer with a liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength.Cut off flower spikes in late summer to extend the life of the plant and encourage the growth of new colorful leaves.Overwintering ColeusIn cooler regions, take cuttings from your plants before the first frost in the fall and place them in water to root.Plant the rooted cuttings in small pots and keep near a sunny window for the winter.