Four O'Clocks are beautiful and fragrant flowering plants cultivated for their colorful blooms and their unique blooming habit. Four O'Clocks produce trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, yellow, red, white, and bicolor combinations. The flowers often have a pleasant, sweet fragrance.
Product Information
- Botanic Name: Mirabilis jalapa
- Application or Use: Ornamental, Garden Flower, Landscaping
- Germination Time: 7 - 10 days, under optimal conditions
- Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
- Height: 2 - 3 feet
- Sunlight Requirements: 8+ hours, full sun for best results
- Advantages: Adapted to many soil types; showy blooms, excellent for landscaping; attracts pollinators.
- When to Plant: See instructions tab.
Product Information
These plants typically reach heights of about 2 to 3 feet, forming bushy, spreading mounds with attractive foliage and flowers. As the name suggests, Four O'Clocks have a unique blooming habit. The flowers open in the late afternoon, around 4 o'clock, and stay open through the night, releasing a delightful fragrance. They close in the morning and may not reopen on cloudy days.
The plant's foliage consists of lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stems.
Four O'Clocks thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. They're relatively adaptable and can grow in various soil types.
The fragrant flowers of Four O'Clocks attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making them a welcome addition to gardens for pollinators.
These plants are popular choices for gardens, borders, and containers due to their colorful flowers and their delightful evening fragrance. They're also sometimes used as a natural fence or barrier plant.
Four O'Clocks are generally low-maintenance. Regular deadheading can encourage continuous blooming, and they readily self-seed in favorable conditions.
Four O'Clocks are cherished for their vibrant and fragrant blooms, their unique blooming habit in the late afternoon and evening, and their attractiveness to pollinators, making them a delightful addition to garden landscapes.
*Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured.
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region:
Southeast
- Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and harden off before frost.
- Spring: A good time to plant wildflowers, especially annual species that flower quickly. Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to around 55°F, typically occurring within a month or so after the final frost of winter; this ensures the seeds can germinate properly without being affected by cold weather.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Southwest
- Fall: A good time to plant spring wildflowers in the desert Southwest. Fall's cooler temperatures and seasonal rains help seeds germinate. In the mountains, you can plant after spring frosts.
- Winter: In areas that get snow, winter seeding can give seeds an advantage in the spring.
- Spring: A popular time to plant wildflowers in most states. You can plant after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 55°F. In warmer climates, you can plant at the end of the rainy season.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Northeast
- Fall, Winter: The best time to plant wildflowers in the Northeast is in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow. This is known as dormant seeding and can take place from November to December. Cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter help wildflower seeds germinate.
- Spring: Plant in early spring, after the ground has thawed and soil temperatures reach around 55-65°F. This is a popular time to plant wildflowers because it's typically rainier, which helps water seedlings.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Midwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Western
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Pacific Northwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: In cooler zones with higher elevation, you can plant wildflowers in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed. You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Four O'Clocks Wildflower Seed
Four O'Clocks are beautiful and fragrant flowering plants cultivated for their colorful blooms and their unique blooming habit. Four O'Clocks produce trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, yellow, red, white, and bicolor combinations. The flowers often have a pleasant, sweet fragrance.
Instructions
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region: Southeast Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and...Four O'Clocks Wildflower Seed
Four O'Clocks are beautiful and fragrant flowering plants cultivated for their colorful blooms and their unique blooming habit. Four O'Clocks produce trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, yellow, red, white, and bicolor combinations. The flowers often have a pleasant, sweet fragrance.