Chocolate Green coleus leaves on a white background.
A close-up view of Colocha Chocolate Green Coleus leaves.
Colocha Chocolate Green Coleus growing in the garden by the Baker Creek Seed Store.
Colocha Chocolate Green Coleus in full bloom with tiny blue flowers in the garden at Baker Creek.
Chocolate Green coleus leaves on a white background.
A close-up view of Colocha Chocolate Green Coleus leaves.
Colocha Chocolate Green Coleus growing in the garden by the Baker Creek Seed Store.
Colocha Chocolate Green Coleus in full bloom with tiny blue flowers in the garden at Baker Creek.

Coleus Seeds,
Colocha Chocolate Green

51 Review#FL763 · 35 seeds
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Description

This is one of the most unique coleus you’ll ever grow. Developed by Černý Seeds, it combines deep chocolate tones with fresh green edges in softly ruffled, almost sculptural leaves. The color contrast is unforgettable, and the texture adds another layer of visual interest. Perfect for shaded areas and containers, it’s a true collector-worthy variety that elevates any planting.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Coleus scutellarioides
Life Cycle
Perennial
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
63–84
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start Colocha Chocolate Green indoors 8-10 weeks before your region's last frost date, then transplant into beds or containers once all danger of frost has passed and the soil is quite warm. Gardeners can instead direct sow after frost, under those same warm conditions. Figure 63-84 days from sowing to maturity.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
  • Surface sow seeds and lightly cover with a thin layer of fine potting soil.
  • A humidity dome will help to keep seeds moist and warm until they germinate (dome is not necessary, just helpful).
  • Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed and soil is quite warm, or start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost and transplant out.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-78 F.

How to Grow

  • Plants prefer shade or part sun and rich, well-drained soil with plenty of moisture.
  • Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
  • Keep the small, inconspicuous flower spikes pinched back (like basil) to encourage healthy bushy foliar growth.
  • Plants easily propagate from cuttings.
  • Before first frost, take cuttings and root for indoor winter house plants. These super cold-sensitive plants will be killed even by light frost.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A number of soft-bodied insects may attack your coleus, from mealybugs to aphids and spider mites. Be sure to treat these infected plants regularly and thoroughly with organic approved horticulture soaps.

How to Save Seeds

Seed saving is possible with coleus, but be aware that there will always be a bit of genetic variation in plants grown from seed.

  • Allow flower spikes to mature on plant before harvesting seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
  • It is also possible (and very easy) to propagate coleus from cutting; simply snip and root a few cuttings in late summer and keep indoors overwinter as a house plant. Propagate cuttings from this mother plant in spring and transplant rooted cuttings outdoors after frost.

FAQ

How should I sow Colocha Chocolate Green seed?

Surface sow and do not cover; the seed is dust-fine and needs light to germinate. Press it gently onto moist, fine seed-starting mix. The ideal temperature is 75 F and seedlings come in 10-14 days; a humidity dome is not necessary, just helpful for keeping seeds moist and warm.

Where does Colocha Chocolate Green grow best?

In partial shade, in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of moisture. It suits shaded areas of the garden and containers.

How far apart should Colocha Chocolate Green be planted?

Space plants 12-18 inches apart. The leaves have unique, wavy and ruffled edges that are soft to the touch, and an undulating form.

Customer reviews

5 / 5 1 Review

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