The Coleus plant (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is a popular choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, non-flowering foliage. Its leaves display an extraordinary range of colors and patterns, from deep burgundy and lime green to intricate mosaic designs. Coleus is typically grown as an annual, providing season-long color in shaded areas and containers. Acquiring seeds is often the first step in finding the specific variety needed for a garden design. This guide explores the most effective avenues for purchasing high-quality Coleus seeds.
Why Purchase Coleus Seeds Instead of Plants
Starting Coleus from seed offers distinct advantages over purchasing mature nursery plants or cuttings. The most immediate benefit is the significant difference in cost; a single packet of seeds is far less expensive than buying an equivalent number of starter plants. Sowing seeds allows a gardener to cultivate a large volume of plants for mass plantings, borders, or window boxes on a modest budget.
The selection of varieties available as seeds dramatically surpasses the limited offerings found in local garden centers. Commercial growers often focus on a small number of popular cultivars, while seed catalogs provide access to thousands of unique open-pollinated and hybrid types, including specialty series like Kong, Wizard, and Premium Sun. Growing Coleus from seed also introduces genetic variation. This means the resulting plants may exhibit novel colors and leaf shapes different from the parent, a possibility not achieved by using cuttings, which are genetic clones.
Dedicated Online Retailers and Seed Banks
Online seed retailers and specialized seed banks are the premier source for the widest assortment of Coleus seeds. These companies maintain vast inventories that include both popular and rare varieties, making them the first stop for gardeners seeking specific color patterns or leaf textures. Many reputable online sources, such as Park Seed, Burpee, and Eden Brothers, offer both F1 hybrid seeds and heirloom open-pollinated types.
Specialized seed companies frequently provide seeds with guaranteed viability, ensuring a higher germination rate. They also often carry pelleted seeds, which are coated in an inert material to make the tiny Coleus seeds easier to handle and sow accurately. When purchasing online, look for companies that specifically cater to ornamental annuals. These companies are more likely to offer specialized and patented Coleus genetics bred for improved sun tolerance, size, or color stability.
Physical Stores and Local Sourcing Options
While online sources offer the broadest selection, physical retail locations provide the convenience of immediate purchase and local advice. National big-box stores and general garden centers stock Coleus seeds, especially during the late winter and early spring seeding season. However, the selection is typically limited to common, high-demand varieties like the Rainbow Mix or basic Kong series.
Local, independent nurseries and small seed shops often curate a more unique selection of seeds that perform well regionally. These local businesses can be a source for specialty heirloom or locally adapted varieties not distributed nationally. Another valuable local option is participating in horticultural society seed swaps, where gardeners exchange unique, non-commercial Coleus varieties.
Key Quality Factors to Consider Before Buying
Before purchasing, examine the packet’s label for specific quality indicators. One important piece of information is the “packed for” date, which indicates the year the seeds were harvested and packaged. Although this is not an expiration date, Coleus seeds generally maintain high viability for about two years under ideal storage conditions. Fresher seeds typically yield better germination rates.
Gardeners should understand the difference between the two main types of seeds: open-pollinated (OP) and F1 Hybrid. Open-pollinated seeds produce plants that may vary widely in appearance, offering genetic diversity. F1 Hybrid seeds are the result of a controlled cross between two distinct parent lines, ensuring the resulting plants are highly uniform in growth habit and color. F1 Hybrids are usually more expensive and cannot be reliably saved for the next season. Finally, note whether the packet is sold by seed count or by weight to ensure the quantity aligns with the planned planting project.