Chocolate Drop Coleus Plant

Chocolate Drop Coleus is a terrific plant for providing summer color! It offers lobed, rounded green leaves and have deep crimson centers and venation. This shade and heat tolerant variety will produce color in sun or shade. Makes wonderful additions to containers and landscaping alike.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety
• - Coleus can be grown in containers, borders, or as bedding plants

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• - Use well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• - Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility

Watering Specifics:

• - Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• - Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spotting
• - Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season
• - For container plants, use a half-strength fertilizer solution every 1-2 weeks

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness
• - Remove flower spikes as they appear to promote foliage growth
• - Trim leggy growth to maintain shape and size

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites
• - Monitor for diseases such as root rot and downy mildew, especially in humid conditions

Foliage Indicators:

• - Prized for its vibrant, colorful foliage rather than flowers

Light Requirements:

• - Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates
• - Leaf color is often more vibrant in brighter light conditions

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Can tolerate brief periods of higher temperatures with adequate moisture
• - Protect from cold temperatures; damage can occur below 40°F

Companion Plants for Coleus:

• - Caladium: Offers large, colorful foliage that complements Coleus' diverse leaf patterns
• - Impatiens: Provides colorful flowers in shaded areas where Coleus thrives
• - Begonias: Offers both attractive foliage and flowers to pair with Coleus
• - Ferns: Add textural contrast to Coleus' bold foliage
• - Hostas: Provide large leaves with varying colors and patterns to complement Coleus in shade gardens