What are four o’clock seeds?
Named for its characteristic of blooming after 4pm, fast-growing Four O’Clock flourishes almost anywhere including hot, windy spots, and tolerates most soil types. Fragrant, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Excellent as an annual hedge. They’re very versatile too, as the seeds of the Four O’Clock can be sown directly into the soil or into pots or other containers such as barrels. Plant Four O’Clock seeds in the spring for late summer/early autumn blooms.Grow four o’clocks in full sun. Grow four o’clocks in full sun in almost any type of soil but they do best in a humus-rich, well-drained spot. Plants can be started from seed sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed or indoors up to 8 weeks ahead of time.
Are 4 o’clocks easy to grow?
Four O’Clock flowers only open in the afternoon, around 4:00. They make poor cut flowers because they may not remain open. Good for children to grow, since they are colorful, easy to plant, and fast growing. Plants often self-sow, so allow some spent flowers to go to seed. Transplanting four o’clock flower ideally takes place during the height of spring. It’s an optimal season as it avails enough time for roots to settle before the hot summer. Doing this enhances growth and increases blooms. A friendly reminder, your four o’clock flower will thank you for the timely move!
Do 4 o’clock come back every year?
Four o’clocks are easy to grow from seed. Plants get to be two or three feet tall in sunny spots or in part shade, and they bloom from midsummer until frost. In relatively warm-winter climates, four o’clocks will come back every year from tubers that overwinter in the ground. Mirabilis jalapa, the marvel of Peru or four o’clock flower, is the most commonly grown ornamental species of Mirabilis plant, and is available in a range of colors.Four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) do best in full sun and bloom late spring, throughout the summer, until fall. In North and Central Florida, they will die back in the winter. It should be noted that this plant can spread aggressively in the warmest regions of the state.
How long do 4 o’clock seeds take to germinate?
Before planting, scarify four o’clock seeds by knicking them with a knife or rubbing them with sandpaper and soaking them overnight. Place seeds on the soil surface and gently press in; light is required for germination. Soil temperature between 65-75ºF for germination. Seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days. Sow seeds early in the morning so the water has enough time to permeate the soil and get warm throughout the day. You can do it in the evening but make sure the seed flats stay warm overnight. Keep sown seeds away from direct sunlight and keep at a temperature of 75F-90F degrees—double check for specific seeds.