Coleus plants are popular for their vibrant, diverse foliage, bringing a unique aesthetic to gardens and indoor spaces. While primarily grown for their ornamental leaves, coleus do produce flowers, a natural part of their life cycle that often raises questions for growers.
Understanding Coleus Blooms
Coleus plants develop small, spiky flower stalks, typically emerging in shades of blue, white, or lavender. These blooms often resemble the flowers found on herbs like basil or mint, as coleus belongs to the mint family. The primary biological purpose of these flowers is reproduction. Coleus typically begins to bloom in late summer or early fall, though flowering can occur earlier if the plant experiences stress from factors like extreme heat, dry conditions, or even shorter day lengths.
When a coleus plant flowers, it diverts a significant amount of its energy from producing lush, colorful leaves towards flower and seed production. This shift in energy allocation can lead to noticeable changes in the plant’s appearance. The plant may become leggy, with elongated stems and fewer leaves, and the vibrant coloration of its foliage might diminish. Allowing a coleus to flower can also signal the plant’s life cycle is nearing its end, potentially shortening its overall vigor and lifespan.
The Decision to Pinch or Allow Blooming
Gardeners often decide whether to remove coleus blooms. The primary reason many growers pinch off coleus flowers is to encourage bushier growth and maintain the plant’s dense, vibrant foliage. By removing the flower spikes, the plant’s energy is redirected back into vegetative growth, promoting more leaves and a fuller, more compact shape, ensuring its colorful display.
However, there are valid reasons to allow coleus to bloom. Some appreciate the delicate appearance of the small flowers, which add a different texture. Allowing flowers to mature also provides an opportunity for seed collection. Additionally, coleus flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to garden biodiversity. For most gardeners prioritizing vibrant foliage, pinching off the blooms remains the recommended practice to preserve the plant’s ornamental appeal.
How to Pinch Coleus Blooms
Pinching off coleus blooms is a straightforward process that encourages a more robust plant. Begin by identifying the developing flower stalk, which typically emerges from the tip of a stem. To effectively pinch, locate a set of leaves or a branching junction just below the flower spike. The goal is to remove the flower stalk along with the topmost growth, which will stimulate new growth from the nodes below.
You can accomplish this by simply pinching the stem with your clean thumb and forefinger, or by using small, sharp snips or pruning shears. Making the cut just above a leaf node ensures that the plant can readily sprout two new branches from that point, leading to a fuller, bushier plant. Regular removal of flower spikes throughout the growing season prevents the plant from becoming leggy and maintains its desired compact form.
Collecting Coleus Seeds
For those interested in propagating coleus from seed, allowing the flowers to mature is a necessary step. Once the small blooms fade, they will develop into tiny seed pods. These pods typically start green and are ready for harvest when they turn brown and dry.
To collect the seeds, snip the entire dried flower spike from the plant. Place the spikes in an open paper bag or on a tray for further drying to ensure the seeds are fully mature. Once dry, gently rub the flower spikes between your fingers over a bowl or piece of paper to release the tiny seeds from their pods. After separating the seeds from any dried plant material, ensure they are completely dry before storing them in a cool, dark, and dry location for future planting. Note that seeds collected from hybrid coleus varieties may not produce plants identical to the parent, as they can exhibit variations in color and pattern.