How Do I Grow Coleus Plants From Seeds?

Fill a shallow pot with African violet soil. African violet soil is a soil with a high content of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, which allows it to drain well. The pot should be about 3 or 4 inches deep with a hole at the bottom to provide water intake.

Sprinkle the seeds on the top of the soil and gently pat them in with the palm of your hand. There is no need to cover the seeds.

Set the pot in a saucer of warm water. This allows the water to enter the soil without disturbing the seeds.

Wait a few hours until the soil is fully saturated. Touch the top of the soil, which will be damp when there is enough water in it.

Remove the pot from the saucer of water when the soil is thoroughly saturated.

Stretch cellophane over the top of the pot.

Poke holes in the cellophane with a pen or screwdriver to allow for air circulation.

Set the pot in a warm, shaded space so seeds can germinate. This will take between 10 days and two weeks.

Water the coleus seedlings when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Remove the cellophane as the seedlings get taller.

Transplant the coleus seedlings outside or to different pots after six weeks. They can be transferred to an outdoor garden after the last spring frost.