Four O Clock Seeds – Mirabilis jalapa
Mirabilis jalapa • Nyctaginaceae • Native to Tropical Americas
Four O’Clock Seeds grow into bushy, fast-flowering plants with trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the late afternoon. Ideal for garden beds, borders, containers, and colorful pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Seed Variety: Marvel of Peru Four O Clock Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Marvel of Peru Four O Clock Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
All parts of the four o'clock plant, including the seeds and roots, are toxic if ingested, so plant them away from areas frequented by young children and supervise pets around the garden.
Botanical profile
Meet the Four O Clock – Mirabilis jalapa
Step-by-step planting
Growing four o'clocks from seed is a straightforward process, though results will vary depending on your soil temperature, climate, moisture levels, and how consistently you tend to them through the early stages.
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1
Start at the Right Time
Direct sow four o'clock seeds outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier in peat pots since the roots dislike disturbance.
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2
Choose a Sunny Spot
Select a location that receives full sun to light afternoon shade, as four o'clock plants bloom most heavily with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
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3
Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to about 8 inches deep and work in a modest amount of compost if your ground is particularly poor, since Mirabilis jalapa tolerates a range of soil types but drains well enough to prevent root rot.
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4
Plant the Seeds
Press seeds about half an inch deep and space them roughly 12 inches apart, as the plants can grow quite bushy and need room to fill out through the season.
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5
Water Consistently Early On
Keep the soil evenly moist during four o'clock germination, checking regularly in warm or dry weather, then ease off once seedlings are several inches tall since established plants handle dry spells fairly well.
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6
Thin or Transplant Carefully
Once seedlings reach 3 to 4 inches tall, thin them to one plant every 18 to 24 inches so each has space to branch out without crowding its neighbors.
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7
Ongoing Four O'Clock Plant Care
Water deeply but infrequently once established, deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering, and in USDA zones 9 and above you can leave the tuberous roots in the ground over winter for earlier blooms the following year.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Four O Clock Seeds – Mirabilis jalapa
When should I plant four o'clock seeds?
In most regions, the right time to direct sow four o'clock seeds outdoors is after your last frost date, once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want a head start, you can sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before that date using peat or paper pots, which lets you transplant without disturbing the sensitive taproot. Gardeners in warmer climates with mild winters can sometimes sow in late fall for early spring germination.
How deep do I plant Mirabilis jalapa seeds?
Plant Mirabilis jalapa seeds about half an inch deep, firm the soil gently over them, and water in well. The seeds are on the larger side and have a hard coat, so some gardeners lightly nick or soak them in warm water for a few hours before planting to encourage more even sprouting. Consistent moisture in the first week or two after planting makes a noticeable difference in how the seeds respond.
Are four o'clock plants toxic to pets?
Yes, four o'clock plants contain toxic compounds throughout the entire plant, including the roots, leaves, and seeds, which can cause vomiting and digestive upset in dogs, cats, and other pets if ingested. The seeds are particularly concentrated and look a bit like small black pebbles, so they can be appealing to curious animals. If you have pets who graze or dig in the garden, it is worth planting four o'clocks in a spot that is harder to access or skipping them in favor of a pet-safer alternative.
Can four o'clocks grow in containers?
Four o'clocks can grow in containers, though they do develop a substantial taproot and bushy growth habit, so a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide gives them the best chance. Use a well-draining potting mix, water more frequently than you would in-ground plants since containers dry out faster, and expect container-grown plants to stay a bit more compact than their garden counterparts. Choose a container with good drainage holes since waterlogged roots are one of the few things that will reliably stress these otherwise tough plants.
How long do four o'clock seeds take to germinate?
Four o'clock germination typically occurs somewhere between 7 and 14 days under good conditions, meaning warm soil around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, consistent moisture, and adequate light after sprouting. That said, germination timing is genuinely variable and depends on your specific soil, climate, seed depth, and watering habits, so do not be discouraged if some seeds take a bit longer. Soaking seeds overnight before planting can sometimes speed things along.
Do four o'clocks come back every year?
Whether your four o'clock plant returns depends on your climate. In USDA zones 9 through 11, the tuberous roots can survive winter in the ground and the plant behaves as a true perennial, often returning larger and blooming earlier each year. In colder zones it is treated as a four o'clock annual, though you can dig up the roots after the first frost, store them in a cool dry place like you would dahlias, and replant them in spring.
What USDA zones are best for four o'clocks?
Four o'clocks grow well as annuals in USDA zones 3 through 8, where they are planted each season and bloom reliably from midsummer through fall. In zones 9 through 11, they settle in as perennials, with the roots overwintering in the ground and sending up new growth each spring. They are quite heat tolerant once established, which makes them a good choice for gardeners in the South and Southwest who struggle to keep other flowers blooming through the hottest months.