It's just not as easy to grow coleus in Phoenix. I do great in the spring and fall but our summers of 115 fry the tender leaves. The shade helps a lot but last year we had 3 freeze nights back to back that killed my 7 coleus plants. They were covered too.

Anyway, I'll share some of the varieties I've been able to grow here. Ill add to this some more tomorrow. I'm willing to try anything and Electric Lime seems to really like Phoenix but those dumb mealy bogs got to the last of mine.

systemic always helps me get through.. your containers are outstanding!!

Looks like your coleus do just fine Becky. I can send you some on Saturday if you want.
Allison I want to be on your fall cuttings list too please.
Sidney

WOW! Sidney, that would be nice of you. How do you all work the shipping etc?

the only thing I ask Sidney.. is for a reminder.. starting labor day we are setting up decorations.. and I would forget

I gather a bouquet, put them in a large zip-lock and prioority mail them.
They usually get delivered on the following Monday.
Rosy Dawn ships on Saturday. It's a slow mail day and so our pkgs get put right through.
Just c-mail me your mailing address.
Usually runs less than $10.
I am fortunate to have a great place for them this summer and I also believe down here in south Florida I can overwinter many.
I sent a box to Milwaukee last Sat. and they arrived great on Mon.
Will be making shipping labels tomorrow and Friday.
After you get them either PayPal me or send a check.
Sidney

I am so excited! Thank you! I will send you my address via tree mail.
Should I water root or dirt root?

when I get unrooted cuttings .. I like to put them in water for an hour or two.. then root them in soil

I agree taking a dab off of the bottoms and putting in water for trip recovery. If you get some that have multi-limb cuttings, cut each limb off after they recover and root them.
I always try to put a leaf node in the dirt. I use Miracle Grow Moisture Control. It has the acrylic polymers that Allison likes already in there.
Until they 'get a grip' I keep them under a bush or this year, under a chair.

really... you don't think the MG is too heavy?

No mam, I have used it for the last seven years and have wonderful results.
Thanks for asking though.
Sidney

I know that moisture control bag weighs a ton.. if it works.. it works

I get the huge bag at Costco or Sams for about $12.
I get someone to help get it in and out of my trunk.
I pot on a wooden picnic table. Found a dust pan makes a great scoop for the big bags.
Smaller bags are available.
Sidney

I am hooked on coir.. super easy to deal with.. and light in the containers.. for the last 3 years.. I haven't used anything but coir for everything.. seeds, cuttings, and containers

The main reason I do not like coir is if it ever gets dry I have to put my plants in a bucket of water to keep them alive.
If you are a super gardener and have a constant water supply to each one as Allison does, coir works well if that's all she uses.
I, however don't have mine micro watering set up yet.
I use self watering planters and the moisture control soil.
I believe nurseries intentionally sell plants in soil-less mixes so if you miss a day watering, you have to buy new plants.
I can see rooting in soil-less mixes, but for those of us who occasionally don't water, or the rain just doesn't get to a certain plant I opt for some soil with time release fertilizer and acrylic polymers.

good information: Boo taking notes!

not all my containers are hooked to the drip system.. if the pots get dry.. I just water them.. but there are always water gels and slow release fert. I just add to the containers.. since using coir I have no had any problems with fungus gnats over the winter.. just another bonus for me!!

Yippppeeee....I bought my moisture control today!

Sidney's cuttings came today and they look great! I am "bartering" with her....painting geckos for her garden!

I was shocked with the heat wave that they cuttings weren't hot to the touch or wilted. It's 107 where I live today!


I snipped a smidgeon off theends and they are happily soaking up the water after their long journey across the country!


Closer


I will let them enjoy the water and plant them tomorrow!

Thanks again, Sidney!

good deal!!!