Painted Nettle - Seeds - Thompson & Morgan - KB5900
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The Thompson & Morgan Painted Nettle (Coleus) is the ideal choice for indoor gardeners looking for vibrant, foliage-heavy displays that brighten up windowsills or conservatories. These versatile plants offer rapid growth and striking color patterns, making them excellent filler plants, though they require consistent warmth and protection from frost as they are not winter-hardy.
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| Brand | Thompson & Morgan |
|---|
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FAQs
Can I grow these outdoors all year round?
No, Painted Nettle is not frost-hardy and should be moved indoors before temperatures drop in the autumn.
Do I need to cover the seeds with soil?
No, Coleus seeds require light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown and only gently firmed into the compost.
How long does germination take?
Under ideal conditions (21-24°C), germination typically occurs within 10 to 20 days.
What is the best way to make the plant bushy?
Regularly 'pinch out' the shoot tips. This removes the main growing point and forces the plant to send out side branches.
Can I use standard garden soil for pots?
It is highly recommended to use a good quality seed-starting compost to ensure proper drainage and nutrient levels for young seedlings.
Troubleshooting
Seeds failing to germinate
Verify that the temperature is strictly maintained between 21-24°C and ensure the seeds were not covered too deeply with soil.
Leggy or stretched stems
This is often a sign of insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location and pinch out the tips to encourage thicker growth.
Wilting or yellowing leaves
Check soil moisture; yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely easy to grow from seed
- Highly decorative, colorful foliage
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor summer use
- Responds well to shaping through pruning
Cons
- Not frost-tolerant and must be kept indoors during colder months
- Requires a consistent temperature of 21-24°C for germination
- Sensitive to overwatering
Setup, Compatibility & Care
- Sowing: Surface sow seeds on good quality seed compost. Firm down gently, but do not bury them deeply as they require light to germinate.
- Germination Environment: Maintain a temperature of 21-24°C (70-75°F). Use a heated propagator or enclose the seed tray in a clear polythene bag to retain humidity.
- Watering: Keep the compost consistently damp to the touch, but avoid saturation, which can lead to rot.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings to 8cm (3") pots once they are large enough to handle, eventually sizing up to 15cm (6") pots as the root system matures.
- Maintenance: Regularly pinch out the growing tips to maintain a compact, bushy shape.