- 1). Plant container-grown seedlings of Joseph's coat from the garden center in spring after threat of frost passes. In South Florida, Joseph's coat is planted anytime after March 1, while in the northernmost counties, plants are sold as annuals after May 1 or so. Don't plant in fall or winter when cool nighttime temperatures are common.
- 2). Site plants in a sunny to partial shade locale in the landscape in a soil that is moist but well-drained. Amend sand soils with organic matter to help retain moisture before planting. Leaf colors become most intense with at least 6 hours of sun rays daily.
- 3). Trim back long, leggy stems of Joseph's coat in early to mid-June and again in August. The fast growth of the plants in the rainy season often makes them flop and look ratty. Use a hand pruners or heavy duty scissors to cut back stems to 25 percent their original height. Plants will rejuvenate with more ornate foliage. Evergreen plants in South Florida can also be cut back to 6 inches tall in early March to rejuvenate.
- 4). Irrigate planting beds with Joseph's coat freely from April to October. Keep soil slightly drier during the cooler months from November to March. Plants increase their growth rate in March as temperatures statewide warm considerably. In northern Florida where frost kill back Joseph's coat to the roots or entirely killing plants, don't worry about irrigation in winter.
- 5). Fertilize plants from April to October as necessary to keep them growing with lushness. Follow product label directions for dosages and timing of repeat applications across the growing season. In Florida's sandy soils, compost and slow-release granular fertilizer act much longer than water-soluble fertilizers that quickly leach through the soil.
- 6). Cut off upright stems before, or as the tiny white flowers open, to prevent production of seeds. If you don't want seedlings of Joseph's coat sprouting up all over the garden, remove flowers and stems.
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