Coleus plants are loved by gardeners all over the world for one simple reason: their leaves are more beautiful than many flowers. With bold patterns, rich colors, and easy adaptability, coleus has become a favorite choice for home gardeners, container growers, and indoor plant lovers. Whether planted outdoors in partial shade or grown as a houseplant, coleus brings instant color and texture to any space.
The Sow Right Seeds – Coleus Rainbow Mix promises vibrant foliage, high germination, and non-GMO heirloom quality. Marketed for both indoor and outdoor gardening, this seed mix claims to be easy to grow, productive, and suitable even for beginners. However, like many seed-grown ornamentals, real success depends on timing, temperature, and care.
In this review, I share my honest experience, including early germination challenges, later success, and lessons learned. I also discuss the science behind coleus growth, current gardening trends, and practical tips to help new growers succeed on their first attempt.
What Is Sow Right Seeds Coleus Rainbow Mix Seeds?
The Sow Right Seeds Coleus Rainbow Mix is a premium seed packet containing approximately 800 non-GMO heirloom coleus seeds (Plectranthus scutellarioides). Coleus is a tender perennial, commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates, and valued primarily for its decorative foliage rather than flowers.
This rainbow mix produces plants with leaves in shades of green, yellow, white, pink, red, burgundy, and deep maroon. The leaf texture is slightly ruffled and soft, giving coleus a unique look compared to other ornamental plants. While the flowers are small and not the main attraction, the foliage continues to improve in color as the plant matures.
Coleus can be grown indoors or outdoors, performs best in partial sun, and adapts well to containers, garden beds, hanging baskets, and indoor pots.
Sow Right Seeds is known for its commitment to safe, sustainable, and non-GMO seed production. Their coleus rainbow mix reflects that mission well. Each packet contains:
- Approximately 800 seeds (250 mg minimum)
- Non-GMO, heirloom variety
- High germination potential
- Clear planting instructions
- Solar-powered, eco-friendly production
Key Specifications
- Brand: Sow Right Seeds
- Plant Type: Coleus (Tender Perennial)
- Usage: Indoor and Outdoor
- Sunlight: Partial Sun
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil
- Expected Height: 18–30 inches
- Spacing: 10–12 inches
- Germination Time: 10–14 days
- Maturity: 85–95 days
- USDA Zones: 4–10
The packet is generously sized and offers excellent value, especially for gardeners who enjoy starting plants from seed rather than buying nursery transplants.
Pros & Cons of Sow Right Rainbow Mix Seeds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Non-GMO heirloom seeds |
 Seeds are extremely tiny and hard to handle |
| Large packet with around 800 seeds |
Germination can be uneven in cool soil |
| Suitable for indoor and outdoor growing |
Slow initial growth of seedlings |
| Produces vibrant and diverse foliage colors |
Requires warmer temperatures to perform best |
| Plants grow large and bushy once established |
Needs more frequent watering than many plants |
| Generally resistant to insect damage |
Seedlings can become leggy if watered from the top |
Why Rainbow Mix Seeds Matters?
Coleus plants are a perfect example of how foliage plants are becoming more important in modern gardening. According to recent gardening industry reports, ornamental foliage plants now account for over 35% of home garden plant sales, driven by indoor gardening trends and small-space living.
Scientifically, coleus owes its striking colors to anthocyanins and chlorophyll variations in its leaves. Light exposure, temperature, and plant maturity directly affect pigment development. Cooler temperatures slow growth, while warmer conditions encourage faster establishment and stronger coloration. Coleus prefers:
- Warm soil temperatures (above 70°F / 21°C)
- Consistent moisture
- Indirect or filtered light
This explains why early planting in cool conditions often results in poor germination or weak seedlings.
Indoor plant ownership has increased by over 40% globally since 2020, with foliage plants like coleus ranking among the top decorative choices.
Studies show that soil temperature affects seed germination by up to 60%, especially for tropical-origin plants like coleus.
Coleus grown at optimal temperatures (72–80°F) shows up to 30% faster leaf expansion compared to cooler conditions.
Container gardening now represents more than 55% of home gardening, making compact, colorful plants like coleus especially popular.
Non-GMO seed demand has increased by nearly 25% in the last five years, driven by consumer awareness and sustainability concerns.
These numbers support why coleus and heirloom seed brands like Sow Right Seeds continue to gain popularity.
My Experience with Sow Right Seeds Coleus Rainbow
My experience with these seeds was a learning journey. On my first attempt, germination was disappointing. A few seedlings appeared, but they struggled to grow larger and eventually faded out. At the time, I was unsure whether the issue was environmental conditions, soil temperature, or my lack of prior experience with coleus.
In hindsight, I believe I started too early, when soil temperatures were still too cool. Once I waited for warmer conditions, performance improved noticeably. Coleus clearly prefers warmth during germination and early growth.
Once established, the plants thrived. They grew larger than expected, developed lush foliage, and showed strong resistance to insects. However, I noticed they required more frequent watering than other plants growing nearby.
This season, I plan to start seeds indoors under grow lights, which should provide better temperature control and stronger seedlings before transplanting.
Performance of Sow Right Rainbow Mix Seeds
Once the coleus plants became established, their performance was excellent. Growth accelerated, leaves expanded rapidly, and foliage color improved week by week. Some plants leaned more toward green and burgundy tones, while others showed lighter patterns with cream and red accents. The plants were:
- Hardy once established
- Visually attractive
- Easy to maintain with regular watering
- Suitable for containers and planters
Seedlings are slow at first, but patience pays off. Several growers reported 100% germination in later batches once conditions were optimized, and I experienced similar results after adjusting my approach.
Practical Tips for Sow Right Rainbow Seeds
If you are new to coleus or seed starting, these tips can make a big difference:
- Start seeds in warm soil, ideally indoors if temperatures are still cool.
- Do not bury seeds deeply—coleus seeds need light to germinate.
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination.
- Bottom watering after sprouting helps prevent leggy growth.
- Transplant carefully once seedlings develop true leaves.
- With proper care, one packet can easily produce dozens of healthy plants.
Comparisons with Alternatives Mix Seeds
For gardeners who enjoy propagation and variety, seed-grown coleus offers the best value.
| Feature | Sow Right Seeds Coleus | Nursery Transplants | Cuttings | Other Seed Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
| Variety | Very High | Limited | Limited | Medium |
| Germination Control | High | N/A | N/A | Variable |
| Indoor Suitability | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Sustainability | Non-GMO, Solar | Variable | Variable | Mixed |
Final Recommendations
The Sow Right Seeds Coleus Rainbow Mix is an excellent choice for gardeners who value color, sustainability, and long-term value. While beginners may face early challenges with germination, the learning curve is well worth it. Once conditions are right, these plants reward you with lush growth and stunning foliage.
If you enjoy seed starting, indoor gardening, or experimenting with ornamental plants, this product is a strong recommendation. With patience, warmth, and proper watering, one packet can provide years of enjoyment and hundreds of plants.
