Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle. Coleus is a genus of annual or perennial shrubs, sometimes succulent, sometimes with a fleshy or tuberous rootstock.

Start sowing coleus seed with a flat or container with damp potting soil. Lightly sprinkle the coleus seeds over the soil. Cover the container with plastic and place it in a warm spot in bright, indirect light. You should see seedlings in about two weeks. When you see the coleus seedlings, remove the plastic. Keep the soil moist as the seedlings grow. Once the seedlings are large enough with two sets of true leaves, transplant them to individual containers.

You will find it is less damaging to the coleus seedlings to water from below.