{"product_id":"coleus-rainbow-mix-seeds-coleus-scutellarioides","title":"Coleus Rainbow Mix Seeds | Coleus scutellarioides","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian Grown · Organically Cultivated · Extraordinary Seed-Grown Foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePack Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard Pack with 50 seeds or Best Value Pack with 150 seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australian Grown · Organically Cultivated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frost-sensitive tropical perennial, commonly grown as a warm-season annual in cooler Australian climates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed-Grown Variation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each seedling can develop its own combination of crimson, magenta, pink, purple, chartreuse and green foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Surface sow in light at approximately 20 to 25 °C, with germination commonly beginning within around 10 to 14 days under favourable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest Position:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright filtered light, morning sun or partial shade with protection from harsh afternoon sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Coleus Rainbow Mix\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus Rainbow Mix turns foliage itself into the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than waiting for flowers, seedlings develop richly patterned leaves in combinations of crimson, magenta, pink, purple, chartreuse and green. Contrasting margins, veins, centres and splashes can create dramatically different plants from a single sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a seed-grown mix rather than a collection of cloned cultivars. Each seedling represents its own genetic combination, so colour, pattern, leaf form and growth habit can vary naturally from plant to plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat unpredictability is one of the great attractions of growing coleus from seed. One packet can produce an entire collection of individually patterned plants rather than repeated copies of a single cultivar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accepted botanical name is \u003cem\u003eColeus scutellarioides\u003c\/em\u003e, a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its natural range extends through tropical Asia and the western Pacific into northern Australia, including Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally a tropical perennial, coleus grows rapidly in warmth and adapts particularly well to pots, protected garden beds and seasonal cultivation in cooler Australian climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictorian enthusiasm for coleus became so intense that twelve new hybrids were auctioned for a combined £390, with one plant alone fetching 59 guineas. Contemporary horticultural writing described the extraordinary craze as “Coleus fever”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Ethnobotanical History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Species with Australian Roots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColeus scutellarioides\u003c\/em\u003e has a remarkably broad natural range extending from mainland Southeast Asia through Malesia and the western Pacific to northern Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough ornamental coleus is strongly associated with Southeast Asian horticulture, the species itself is also genuinely native to parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross its wider range, \u003cem\u003eColeus scutellarioides\u003c\/em\u003e has a long history of human use as well as ornamental cultivation. Modern botanical databases record food, medicinal, environmental and social uses across parts of its range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rainbow Mix offered by Sacred Plants Australia, however, is supplied specifically as ornamental propagation seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Plant with a Restless Botanical Name\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew familiar garden plants have travelled through as many botanical names.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlder botanical and horticultural literature may refer to this species as \u003cem\u003ePlectranthus scutellarioides\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSolenostemon scutellarioides\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColeus blumei\u003c\/em\u003e or related historical names.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern taxonomic treatment again accepts \u003cem\u003eColeus scutellarioides\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat shifting nomenclature explains why old gardening books, herbarium records and nursery catalogues can appear to describe different plants while often tracing the same remarkable ornamental lineage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVictorian Britain Discovers Foliage as Fashion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the middle of the nineteenth century, coleus had entered a British horticultural culture hungry for unusual foliage plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNurserymen and breeders began raising large seedling populations and selecting individuals with increasingly dramatic combinations of crimson, purple, yellow and green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of breeding primarily for flowers, they were breeding colour directly into the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus arrived at exactly the right moment for one of Victorian horticulture's most distinctive fashions: carpet bedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThousands of low-growing plants could be arranged into geometric patterns, scrollwork, crests and elaborate formal designs. Coleus was exceptionally suited to the style because its foliage could be used almost like colour on a painter's palette, creating living blocks of crimson, yellow, purple and green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant also moved into conservatories, glasshouses and private collections, where exceptional new foliage forms became botanical curiosities and coveted collector plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompetition became intense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew hybrids commanded extraordinary auction prices and the pace of breeding accelerated so rapidly that contemporary horticultural writers were soon describing the phenomenon as “Coleus fever”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew ornamental plants demonstrate the creative possibilities of seed-grown variation more vividly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow Coleus Rainbow Mix from Seed in Australia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Time to Start:\u003c\/strong\u003e September to December in temperate regions once reliably warm conditions return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tropical and reliably frost-free regions, sowing can extend throughout the year where suitable warmth and light are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e01 Prepare the Growing Medium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFill a seed tray, propagation cells or small pots with a fine, free-draining seed-raising mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoisten the mix before sowing and allow excess water to drain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface should be evenly moist but not saturated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e02 Surface Sow the Seeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo soaking, scarification or other pretreatment is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScatter the very small seeds thinly over the surface of the growing medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePress them gently into contact with the surface but do not bury or cover them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus seed requires light for reliable germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e03 Provide Warmth and Light\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the tray in bright light away from harsh direct afternoon sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain a growing-medium temperature of approximately 20 to 25 °C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the surface consistently moist using a fine mist or gentle bottom watering so the exposed seeds are not displaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clear propagation cover can help maintain humidity, but avoid excessive condensation or waterlogging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e04 Allow Seedlings to Emerge\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermination commonly begins within approximately 10 to 14 days under favourable conditions, although individual seeds may take longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation and provide strong filtered light so the young plants develop compact, sturdy growth rather than stretching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e05 Pot On\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle safely, transplant them carefully into individual small pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandle young seedlings by their leaves where practical rather than squeezing their delicate stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep newly transplanted plants evenly moist while their root systems establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e06 Harden Off and Plant Out\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore permanently moving protected seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over approximately one week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegin in a sheltered position and progressively increase exposure while protecting young plants from strong wind, intense afternoon sun and cold nights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant into their final position once damaging frost is no longer expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e While we provide detailed growing instructions, successful germination depends on environmental factors such as season, temperature, moisture, light, growing medium and care. Because these conditions are outside our control, Sacred Plants Australia cannot guarantee germination outcomes. By purchasing our seeds, you acknowledge and accept these variables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Care \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in bright filtered light, morning sun or partial shade. Protect foliage from prolonged harsh afternoon sun where leaves begin to scorch or bleach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain consistent moisture during active growth while allowing excess water to drain freely. Container-grown plants can dry quickly during warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in fertile, well-drained soil or quality potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed lightly during active growth with a suitable balanced fertiliser according to label directions. Avoid excessive feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCool Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coleus is frost sensitive. Protect plants from frost and prolonged cold. In cooler climates it is commonly grown as a warm-season annual or maintained in containers that can be moved into protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch established growing tips to encourage branching and a fuller foliage display. Mature plants can produce slender flower spikes, which may be retained or removed where maintaining dense foliage growth is the priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Biosecurity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNSW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQLD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease verify current Tasmanian small-weight seed import requirements before ordering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nre.tas.gov.au\/biosecurity-tasmania\/plant-biosecurity\/small-weight-seed-imports\"\u003eView Tasmanian seed import requirements →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVIC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINTERNATIONAL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease confirm your destination's import requirements before ordering. International post is available where permitted. Sacred Plants Australia does not provide phytosanitary certificates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eLast Reviewed: 1 October 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/biosecurity-import-information\"\u003eBiosecurity \u0026amp; Shipping Information →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sacred Plants Australia","offers":[{"title":"Starter Pack • 50 Seeds","offer_id":53877308719398,"sku":"CRS-50","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Best Value Pack • 150 Seeds • Save 33%","offer_id":53877308752166,"sku":"CRS-150","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7656\/8102\/files\/sacred-plants-australia-coleus-rainbow-mix-seeds-coleus-scutellarioides-magenta-green-foliage-close-up.png?v=1791062946","url":"https:\/\/sacredplants.com.au\/products\/coleus-rainbow-mix-seeds-coleus-scutellarioides","provider":"Sacred Plants Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}