The Gardener's Network
Nav Menu

Bushes 'N Shrubs

About trees

Holiday Insights





Affordable Greenhouses
Unbelievable Savings




Amazon.com
Search for:
Flowers
Annuals
Perennials
Bulbs

How to Grow Four O'Clock Flowers

Annual, Mirabilis Jalapa

Four O'Clocks were one of my Grandfather's favorites. He enjoyed the bright trumpet shaped flowers. Four O'Clocks got their name because it opens in mid-afternoon. It remains open overnight, and closes in early morning. They will also remain open on cloudy days. They are also noted for their strong, pleasant fragrance.

Native to tropical areas of North and South America, they are also called "Marvel of Peru". Four O'Clocks are actually perennials that are grown as annuals, in most areas of the U.S.

The bushy plants make attractive hedge or border. Flower colors include white, red, pink, yellow, and some two-toned blooms. Because the flowers are open during the evening, we recommend you place them in areas where people will see them in late afternoon to early evening hours.

Night Bloomers: How many flowers do you know of are open in the evening? See Moonflowers


Propagation:

Four O'Clock are typically grown from large seeds, making them easy to plant. Four O'Clock seeds germinate quickly, and grow fast, up to 2-4 feet.

Sow Four O'Clock seeds directly into the garden just before the last frost in your area. Cover seeds with 1/4" of soil. Space plants 12 inches apart and thin to two feet apart.

In addition, Four O'Clocks are propagated by its tubers. Tubers should be dug up in the fall and stored in the dark, in damp peat moss or sand.


How to Grow Four O'Clock Plants:

Four O'Clock prefer full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Note that in partial shade they may grow lanky. They will do well in rich, well composted soil as they are big eaters. Keep soil moist. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a month to encourage vigorous growth.

Four O'Clocks fit well in borders, as small hedgerows. Try growing them around your mailbox!


Insect and Disease:

Insect and disease problems are uncommon for Four O'Clocks. If problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.


More Information:

Buy Four O'Clock Flower Seeds Now

How to Grow Four O'Clock Plants

Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".

Bulbs and Perennials - Great deals on a a wide assortment of your favorite bulbs and perennials.

The  Compact ComposTumbler is the perfect solution to convert kitchen and yard waste into, rich, organic compost.

Buy a Composter now

More on Composters

Sponsors -

Shop For:

Gardening:
Annual Seeds
Perennials Seeds
Vegetable Seeds

Heirloom Seeds
Herb Seeds
Organic Seed/Supply

Flower Bulbs
Coldframes
Composters
Fertilizers
Greenhouses
Houseplants
Planters
Raised Beds
Garden Supplies

Yard & Deck:
Grills
Hammocks
Hose Carts/Reels
Outdoor Storage
Solar Lights
Pest Control

Seasonal /Holiday:
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Carving Stuff
Decorations

Foggers, Misters
Gory, Scary Props
House Flags
Jello Molds
Lights
Party Supplies

Costume/Makeup

Other:
Food Processing
Kitchen/Party Supply


| Home | A to Z's of Growing | Flowers | Fruit | Bulbs | Vegetables | Lawncare | Pumpkins | Houseplants |
| Shopping |
Herbs | Organic | Plant Problems | Bushes 'n Shrubs | Trees | 4 the Birds | Garden Recipes | Contact Us |


Copyright 1999 - 2013 © Premier Star Company