Coleus in Zone 9a & 9b
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Yes, coleus grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Dec 7–Dec 14 and plant out Mar 1–Mar 8.
When to plant coleus in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Dec 7–Dec 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 1–Mar 8 |
| Estimated bloom | May 15–May 22 (~75 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of coleus in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumFeb 22–Mar 1
- MarigoldFeb 22–Mar 1
- Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)Mar 1–Mar 8
- Bee BalmMar 1–Mar 8
- Black-Eyed Susan VineMar 1–Mar 8
- Chrysanthemum (Garden Mum)Mar 1–Mar 8
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Coleus needs about 75 days from transplant to first bloom.
Coleus planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | Jan 14–Jan 21 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Jun 22–Jun 29 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | 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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Coleus in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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