Plectranthus barbatus / Coleus forskohlii Germination

Bought some seed of Plectranthus barbatus (which seems to frequently called Coleus forskohlii) because the blurb said "This furry giant from Madagascar puts out long stems of the bluest flowers imaginable, and lots of them. It towers over your head, spreads to cover a wall, and is one of the most spectacular bloomers I've ever seen." - here's hoping!

Can't find anything on the internet about germination (temperatures etc.) any ideas?

Anyone actually grown it? if it doesn't live up tot he hype perhaps I should just chuck it ... everything on the internet seems to relate to it being a miracle cure for allergies, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, glaucoma and even weight loss!! Mind you ... I've never grown Snake Oil before

 

Looks and sounds absolutely fab. Ten foot high furry blue stuff. Love it! I would think it needs 65+ degrees to germinate as it is quite tender.

 

I think it may be over sold though ... can hardly find hide nor hair of it, and if it is that good everyone would be growing it surely?

I'll let you know how I get on

 

Agree, but then all things were new introductions once.

 

Well ...wasn't planning to tell you this in order not to tempt fate ...

Bought 5 seeds of Cornus florida urbiniana at $10 each and bought a few other things (at more normal prices I'm pleased to say ... ) to take advantage of the carriage. I've been buying & sowing seed of Blue plants for our Blue and White border (Delphs, Campanulas, Salivas, etc.) and the description of these caught my eye. However, when I went to Google for germination information I couldn't find anything - except for its supposed herbal properties - and that's when I started thinking it may be over-hyped as a flower. Seems to be much more typically grown from cuttings, rather than seed, too. Time will tell ...

Cornus florida urbiniana germination seems to be pretty reliable, but its probably the most technical seed I've grown, so finger's crossed. Here's one I prepared earler


http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/cornus_florida_urbiniana.htm

 

P.S. Sorry, forgot to say that they came from SmartSeeds
http://www.smartseedstore.com/coleus-forskohlii-plectranthus-barbatus.html

They have some other interesting things:


Anthurium watermaliense

Several Aristolochia ...


Cananga odorata


MAJIDEA ZANGUEBERICA



Medinilla cummingii


SCORPIURUS MURICATUS



VIGNA CARACALLA

 

Interesting site Kristen - thanks. I get the feeling that your Plectranthus won't be that tall - but do let us know how you get on. The great joy of seeds, of course, is that you have a much wider range and can get them sent to you from anywhere in the world - unlike plants.

 

Interested to see how this does for you. I'm looking for Plectranthus "Mona Lavender"..........






Grows very well outdoors in pots at OBG. Another one they grow is P.saccatus...........


It's a South African native and is grown under glass at OBG.