How to grow Four O'clock

Mirabilis jalapa

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

Growing Four o'clock from seed

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 .

Transplanting Four o'clock

Best in well drained fertile soil in a sunny position
Protect from drying winds

As Four o'clock is tender, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

Harvesting Four o'clock

Save the tuber in cooler climates as this can be replanted in the spring

Seed Saving Four o'clock

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.

How long does Four o'clock take to grow?

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.

Days to Germination How long does it take Four o'clock to germinate?
13 days

Average 13 days | Min 7 days | Max 394 days (9)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Four o'clock?
+ 47 days

Average 47 days | Min 18 days | Max 118 days (4)

Days to Maturity How long until Four o'clock is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 16 days

Average 16 days | Min 5 days | Max 430 days (5)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Four o'clock?
= 76 days

When should I plant Four o'clock?

Our when to plant Four o'clock estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Four o'clock before or after your last frost date.
35 days before Last Frost Date

Four o'clock Etymology

The flowers don’t open until the afternoon…after four o’clock. The botanical epithet is from the Latin mirabilis meaning “wonderful”

Other names for Four o'clock

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

Footnotes


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