Four O'Clock Seeds
a.k.a. Marvel of Peru
Mirabilis jalapa
How to plant Four O'Clock seedsFour O'Clocks are bushy, upright plants to 2 ft. tall which produce fragrant 2 in. trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of attractive colors. Bloom begins in midsummer and continues until frost. Flowers open mid afternoon to sunset, and remain open all night to fill the air with spicy perfume.
Plant Four O'Clocks near porches, decks or windows, where the intoxicating vanilla scent of the flowers can be best enjoyed. Winter hardy to zone 8, plants will bloom the first season and are grown as annuals in zones 7 and below. Roots can be dug and overwintered like dahlias.
Marbles Series
Many varying patterns of striking two-tone stripes adorn the wonderfully fragrant flowers. Vigorous, bushy 2-3 ft. tall plants flower throughout the warm season.
More Outstanding Four O'Clocks
How to Plant and Grow Four O'Clock
Plant Four O'Clock Seeds: Soak seed in water 72 hours prior to sowing. Be sure to change water daily. Direct sow into prepared seed beds in groups of 3-4 seeds spaced 18-24 in. apart. Thin to the strongest plant.
Grow Four O'Clock: Full or part sun. Any soil with good drainage. Better bloom with moderate to regular water. Forms black, carrot-like roots. In zones 7 and below tuberous roots can be dug after the first fall frost and stored in a dry, dark location like dahlias. Flowers attract butterflies, spectacular moths, and hummingbirds. Plants resist drought, rabbits and deer. Flowers are fragrant, open in response to temperature. As the day becomes cooler, flowers open and will remain open until the next morning.
