If you love your coleus plants and live in Zone 5, you better get out there and take a few cuttings! It’s dropping below 4°C tonight, and you know these colourful plants won’t survive the cold outdoors. Saving your coleus plants for next year is easier than you might think! Here’s how you can overwinter them and enjoy their vibrant foliage again next spring.
To ensure you have coleus next year is by taking cuttings. Snip off 4-6 inch cuttings just below a leaf node, remove the bottom leaves, and place them in water to root. Within a few weeks, they’ll grow roots and can be potted for next spring.
Over the winter months, trim back the coleus to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from getting leggy indoors. Water the plants sparingly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy. You’ll also want to pinch off any flowers that develop to keep the plant focused on foliage.
Once the danger of frost has passed in spring, gradually transition your overwintered coleus back outdoors. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day in a sheltered spot, and slowly increase their time outside until they’re ready to thrive in your garden again.
By taking a little time to overwinter your coleus plants, you can enjoy their vibrant colours and lush foliage year after year! And save money!
Overwintering plants may take a little effort, but it’s worth it to preserve the beauty and productivity of your garden. By saving your favourite plants—like geraniums, peppers, or herbs—you get a head start on the next growing season with stronger, more mature plants. Overwintered plants often bloom and fruit earlier, saving you time and money on new seeds or starts. Plus, there’s something special about nurturing a plant through winter and seeing it thrive again when spring arrives!
Heather
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[…] mentioned in the blog post about Overwintering Coleus Plants, Not only does overwintering save you the cost of new plants, but it also allows you to preserve […]