My first introduction to coleus was during my time as an undergraduate student at the University of Florida. My degree was in plant science and I worked in the plant virology lab, so I spent a lot of time around the horticulture building and greenhouses.

A professor of horticultural biotechnology and genetics, and part of the UF Coleus Breeding Program team, allowed a co-worker and me to tour his greenhouse, learn about the genetics and take home a few colorful coleus in small pots from a recent trial. I potted my new plant friends into larger pots as soon as I got home.

As they grew larger, I trimmed them back and quickly learned how easily some can root in a glass of water. Soon, I was potting up my rooted cuttings, expanding my collection, and sharing the colorful plants with my friends and family.

Coleus breeding has come a long way in the last 20 years and now there are many new seed and vegetative coleus varieties to choose from to add to your production. Let’s check out which ones were showing off in trials this year and made the list for best introductions in 2023 for production versatility and successful sell-through in the retail environment. Vaughn Fletcher, horticulture expert and president of Fletcher Consulting, toured trial gardens this summer to give us the best choices in coleus for 2023.