Grower Facts Coleus Kong
(Solenostemon scutellariodes)

Germination
Light is not necessary for germination until radicle emergence. Keep media evenly moist, but not saturated. Cover with vermiculite. Soil temperature 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C).

Plug Production
Stage 1 – Time of radicle emergence (4 to 5 days)
-Plug tray size 288 cell or larger.
-Soil temperature 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C).
-Keep media evenly moist, but not saturated.
-Cover with vermiculite.
-Light is not necessary for germination until radicle emergence.
-Soil pH should be 5.5 to 5.8 and soluble salts (EC) less than 0.75 mmhos/cm (2:1 extraction).
-Coleus is very sensitive to high salts – particularly high ammonium – during germination.
-Keep ammonium levels less than 10 ppm.

Stage 2 – Stem and cotyledon emergence (10 days)
-Soil temperature 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C).
-Reduce moisture levels once radicle emergence occurs. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering for best germination and rooting.
-Keep soil pH at 5.5 to 6.2 and an EC less than 1.0 mmhos/cm.
-Keep ammonium levels less than 10 ppm.
-Begin fertilizing with 50 to 75 ppm N from 14-0-14 or a calcium/potassium nitrate feed once cotyledons are fully expanded.
-Alternate feed with clear water. Feed between 2 to 3 clear irrigation.
-Irrigate early in the day so foliage is dry by nightfall to prevent diseases.

Stage 3 – Growth and development of true leaves (14 to 21 days)
-Soil temperature 68 to 70°F (20 to 21°C).
-Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between irrigations but avoid excessive wilting to promote root growth and control shoot growth.
-Maintain soil pH at 5.5 to 5.8 and an EC less than 1.0 mmhos/cm.
-Increase feed to 100 to 150 ppm N from 20-10-20, alternating with 14-0-14 or other calcium/ potassium nitrate fertilizer.
-Fertilize every 2 to 3 irrigations.
-Slower-growing colors may need more frequent feeding to get desired height.
-Use temperature differential (DIF) whenever possible, especially the first 2 hours after sunrise, to control plant height.
-A-Rest, B-Nine and Bonzi are effective on coleus, but PGRs are generally not needed. Always follow label recommendations.

Stage 4 – Plants ready for transplanting or shipping (7 days)
-Soil temperature 60 to 62°F (16 to 17°C).
-Allow soil to dry thoroughly between irrigations.
-Maintain soil pH at 5.5 to 5.8 and an EC less than 0.75 mmhos/cm.
-Fertilize with 14-0-14 or calcium/potassium nitrate feed at 100 to 150 N as needed.

Growing On to Finish
Temperature
Night: 62 to 65°F (17 to 18°C)
Day: 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C)

Light:Provide shade if over 5,000 f.c. (50,000 Lux).

Media:Use a well-drained, disease-free soil-less medium with a medium initial nutrient charge and a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.

Fertilization
-Fertilize every other week with 15-0-15 alternating with 20-10-20 at 150 to 200 ppm nitrogen.
-Maintain medium electrical conductivity around 1.0 mmhos/cm (using 1:2 extraction)
-Coleus are low to moderate feeders. Excessive feed can lead to dull coloration and decreased vigor.

Pinching
Pinching is not needed. It will result in smaller leaves and delay crop time.

Controlling Height
Kong coleus has very short internodes. Because of the large leaves, the plants tend to get too wide and need more space before they get too tall. Growth regulators are generally not needed.

Post Production Care
Temperature
-Night: 62 to 65°F (17 to 18°C)
-Day: 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C)
-Optimal conditions may be difficult to maintain, especially if plants are displayed outside.
-Using a negative DIF will help keep the plants short and of high quality.

Light
-Kong will tolerate shade to partial sun. Shady locations are recommended for retail display.
-Plants will get leaf burn under high light intensity.

Green Thumb Tips
-Full shade is recommended for best performance. Leaves may burn if planted in full sun.
-Space approximately 12 in. on center in the garden. Plants will grow 18 to 20 in. tall.
-When using in combination planters, Kong performs best when planted near the outside of the container.