Question
Hello.  I am in high school and am doing  a science project on
auxin concentrations in coleus plants, and I need some primary
sources.  So I was hoping you could tell me on how to grow the
coleus plants  (I'm not planning on growing them for very long-
a month or two at most, if that is related to how far you should
spread the seeds).  In my project, after growing the plants for 2
weeks & they all reach a baseline height, I will take off the
growing tips and use them in pastes made with talcum powder
and water in concentrations of full, 2x, .5x, .25x, 0, and possibly
.325x which I will paint into the leaves.  Do you have
suggestions on what the baseline height should be, how much
of the tip of each plant should I take off, and what amounts of
talcum powder/water should be used?  Also, information on the
functions of auxin would be greatly appreciated.
So thanks so much for helping me out!

Answer
Carlee,

My expertise is in how to grow houseplants.  Coleus are not houseplants and are difficult to grow in a house, there is not enough sun in any home unless you have a greenhouse or supplemental lighting.

Coleus planted from seed in two weeks would probably range from 2-4 inches tall. As for the rest of your question, I'm not even sure I understand what you are doing. Sorry. I suggest you talk to the county extension office in your city. Good luck.

Darlene