Coleus in Zone 8a & 8b
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Yes, coleus grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Jan 14–Jan 21 and plant out Apr 8–Apr 15.
When to plant coleus in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Jan 14–Jan 21 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 8–Apr 15 |
| Estimated bloom | Jun 22–Jun 29 (~75 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 8b
These go outside within two weeks of coleus in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumApr 1–Apr 8
- MarigoldApr 1–Apr 8
- Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)Apr 8–Apr 15
- Bee BalmApr 8–Apr 15
- Black-Eyed Susan VineApr 8–Apr 15
- Chrysanthemum (Garden Mum)Apr 8–Apr 15
Coleus is a foliage plant. NC State Extension puts it plainly: it is grown for its multi-coloured leaves, in reds, burgundies, pinks and golds, and the flowers are beside the point.
How coleus fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Coleus needs about 75 days from transplant to first bloom.
Coleus planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Mar 21–Mar 28 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | Aug 27–Sep 3 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 6–Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | Aug 12–Aug 19 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 1–Mar 8 | May 24–May 31 | Aug 7–Aug 14 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 14–Feb 21 | May 9–May 16 | Jul 23–Jul 30 |
| 7a & 7b | Jan 30–Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | Jul 8–Jul 15 |
| 8a & 8b (your zone) | Jan 14–Jan 21 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Jun 22–Jun 29 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 7–Dec 14 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | May 15–May 22 |
| 10a & 10b | Nov 21–Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 29–May 6 |
| 11a & 11b | Oct 23–Oct 30 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | Mar 31–Apr 7 |
Bloom dates are about 75 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for coleus.
Where to buy coleus seeds
True Leaf Market · Burpee (each supplier's coleus seeds)
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing coleus" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Coleus in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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