Likes sun and regular water but will withstand drought, poor soil and considerable shade.
In cool climates the root can be saved at the end of the season and stored in a frost free place to plant up again in the spring
sow in place in early spring
needs darkness to germinate properly
will self-seed easily
can be propagated from root
Aim to sow 0.39 inches (1.0 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 1.62 feet (50.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 12°C / 54°F to ensure good germination.By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Four o'clock about 35 days before your last frost date .
Best in well drained fertile soil in a sunny position
Protect from drying winds
Save the tuber in cooler climates as this can be replanted in the spring
You can choose not to save the seeds of this flower and it will self sow for next season.
After blooms have died back look for large egg shaped seeds. The seeds will start off green and turn brown or black depending on the type you have. They will be in the sepal where the bloom was. To make sure it was pollinated, you can use a q-tip to ensure germination for the next season.
These estimates for how long Four o'clock takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 13 days | Min 7 days | Max 394 days (9)
Average 47 days | Min 18 days | Max 118 days (4)
Average 16 days | Min 5 days | Max 430 days (5)
Our when to plant Four o'clock estimates are relative to your last frost date.
The flowers don’t open until the afternoon…after four o’clock. The botanical epithet is from the Latin mirabilis meaning “wonderful”
Marvel of Peru, Four o' clock, Umbrellawort, ika apat
Mirabilis jalapa L.
Misspellings: Four O Clock, 4 O Clock, Four-O-Clock, Four o Clock Flower, Four O Clocks, Miribilis jalapa