Question
after you obtain the seeds from the coleus, I understan to let it dry a couple of weeks. Will it self seed if I leave it where it is, and if not how do I go about it. I also was wondering how to propagate portulaca or purslane from cuttings. Can I just cut it off and stick it back in the soil or do I put it in water to root? I really appreciate all the info you give on here. It's really helpful and best of all FREE!! Thanks a lot!

Answer
Hi Kristin,
Thanx for your question.  Unless you live in the tropics, your coleus will not self-seed.  The cold will kill the seeds.  Coleus cuttings root within a few days in a glass of water.  You can treat the coleus as a houseplant during the winter as long as you keep it in a sunny window.  When spring comes, cut off the stronges branches and root new plants to grow outdoors.  Plant the rooted cuttings in separate pots and put outside in the shade after the last frost when temperatures will not dip below 50 degrees.  In about a week you can plant the plants in the desired location.  Semi-shade is best in the hotter parts of the country.  Full sun in the Pacific Northwest, far North and Northeast.  Your both portulaca and purslane are from the same genus and can be easily started by planting cuttings in moist soil.  They root easily.  Neither will survive the winter but both self-seed prolifically and will appear in the garden year after year.  My aunt had portulaca that came up in the same plant box year after year and we live in the Kansas City area.  I remember thinking how exotic they looked when I was a kid.  They reminded me of cactus flowers.  I hope this helps.
Tom