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Coleus

Stained Glassworks™ (Coleus hybrida)

Stained Glassworks Coleus offers the grower several different options in vigor, habit, leaf shape, and color. All thrive in the heat for late season production but are also well suited for early spring production. These coleus do well in full or part sun conditions. There are several different growth habits to choose from for use with most applications including the landscape. Stained Glassworks can be grown in 4” – 6” pots, baskets, and combos. Typical crop timing is 6 -13 weeks including time in propagation.

Landscape cultivars: Big Blonde, Copper, Daffy, Defiance, Emerald & Snow, Molten Lava, Saw Grass, and Witch Doctor.
Novelty cultivars: Burgundy Wedding Train, Kiwi Fern, Midnight Train, Needlepoint, Oompah, Rose Explosion, Show & Tell, Tilt A Whirl, and Trailing Plum.

Coleus is available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Coleus can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72,84, and 105’s. Propagate using one cutting per cell.

Media

Bottom Heat

  • Bottom heat will promote healthy root development.
  • Maintain bottom heat at 70-75°F/21-24°C.
  • Mist will cool the media temperature. Monitor media temperature closely and frequently.

Rooting Hormones

  • Coleus roots easily without the use of rooting hormone. However, time to root and uniformity in rooting may be improved with use of a hormone.
  • Either liquid or powder formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 2500 ppm IBA or up to 500 ppm NAA.

Misting

  • Average days with mist vary from 4-6 days depending on environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
  • Mist cuttings so they remain turgid but avoid over misting that results in saturated media.
  • Over misting will result in slow rooting and possible problems with root rot and botrytis.

Growth Regulating

  • It is important to transplant cuttings on time to avoid stretch.
  • If necessary, Coleus responds to B-Nine® sprays at 1000 ppm.

Propagation Cycle: 3 weeks

Growing ON……….

Media
Choose a media with the following traits:
  • Good aeration
  • Porosity between 5-15%
  • Sterile
Irrigation/Fertilization
  • Avoid excess irrigation and fertilization while plants are establishing which can lead to slow root development.
  • Fertilizer Regime
    • Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
    • Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
    • Apply 150-200 ppm constant liquid feed.
    • Avoid using too much ammonium based nitrogen and higher rates of fertilizer which will promote unwanted stretch and soft vegetative growth.
    • A slow release product may also be used to supplement a constant liquid feed program and may provide improved performance for the consumer.
  • Maintain pH between 5.5-6.3
  • Optimum EC is 1.5 to 2.0 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.
Temperature/Humidity
Coleus can be grown successfully at a wide range of temperatures but for best results the crop should be established warm. As root growth and top growth begins temperatures can be reduced.

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature.

Temperatures for growing on: 75-85°F/21-30C day and 55-65°F/13-18°C night.

Relative Humidity:
Maintain relative humidity below 70% and provide good air circulation to avoid problems with botrytis.

Light
Coleus will tolerate bright light but for more intense foliage color provide shadier conditions.

Will tolerate:
  • 4,000-6,000 foot candles/43,100-64,600 lux
Foliage color will be more intense:
  • 1,500 – 3,000 foot candles/15,690 – 31,380 lux
Spacing
Establish plants pot tight than space to:
  • 4” pots – 5-6” centers (approximately 2 per sq. ft.)
  • 6” pots/1 gallon – 14” centers
  • 8” pots – 18” centers
Pinching
1st Pinch- soon after transplanting and once plants have established
2nd Pinch- plants can be pinched or sheared as needed for shape or for height control

Plant Growth Regulators
Growth Regulators are generally not needed. If necessary Coleus responds to:
  • B-Nine® as a spray at 2500 ppm
  • Cycocel® sprays at 1500 ppm
  • Sumagic® as a spray at 5-10 ppm
Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects
  • Aphids
  • Mealy Bugs
  • Whiteflies
Diseases
  • Alternaria
  • Botrytis
  • Pythium

For recommended chemical controls for disease and insects please consult The Flower Fields Federal Disease Control Chart (463K) and The Flower Fields Federal Insect & Mite Control Chart (541K) at www.ecke.com. Always consult the chemical’s label for rates, mixing instructions and restrictions.

CROP SCHEDULING

Product Form

# Liners per pot

Weeks to establish prior to pinch

Total crop time* (weeks)

4"

1

2

3-5

6"

1

2

4-6

Hanging Baskets

3-4

2

6-10

*total crop time may vary depending on the vigor of the individual varieties

If you have questions about Coleus in production please post your question on our live bulletin board at www.EckeRanchTechHelp.com or call 760-753-1134 and choose option#3 for Technical Support.

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We hope the information provided will be helpful. It is based upon data and knowledge (including information provided by the recipient) considered to be true and accurate, but without independent investigation and is offered for the recipient's consideration, investigation and verification, but we do not warrant the results to be obtained. Please read all statement, recommendations, or suggestions in conjunction with any conditions of sale or use which apply to any products, or systems recommended by us. No statement, recommendation, or suggestion is intended for any use which would infringe any patent/copyright.

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