Starting Kong Coleus and Sweet Potato Vine from Seeds and Plugs on a Budget

Indoor Seed-Starting Requirements

You can start seeds indoors in early May for June planting, but you must provide:

• Light: 14 hours daily of fluorescent light (one cool + one warm white bulb) kept 3 inches above seedlings.
• Temperature: 70–75°F for germination and growth.
• Medium: Sterile soilless mix (vermiculite, perlite, sphagnum).
• Watering: Bottom-water to avoid disturbing seeds.
• Fertilizer: After second true leaves, use diluted seaweed/fish emulsion at half strength.

Plug Trays

100 sweet potato vine plugs for $30 is a good deal, but they need the same light, heat, and humidity as seedlings. Without proper indoor conditions, both seeds and plugs will become leggy and weak.

Budget Alternative

If you cannot provide adequate indoor conditions, consider scaling back containers this year and investing in a basic light setup for next season. Resources: Garden Guides, Missouri Extension, Seed Starter Handbook.