Four O'Clock
Mirabilis jalapa • Nyctaginaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower
🌍 Origin Region
Tropical Americas (specifically Mexico and Central America), widely naturalized globally.
📅 Days to Maturity
60-90 days to first bloom; flowers continue until the first hard frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11 as a perennial (via tubers); grown as a summer annual in zones 2-6.
About This Seed
Seeds are large, dark brown to black, oval-to-round, flat discs with a wrinkled, citrus-peel like texture resembling small hand grenades. The resulting bushy perennial (grown as an annual in cold climates) reaches 2-4 feet tall with ovate green leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that open in late afternoon.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Plant in Spring after last frost; can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
Germination
7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting improves germination rates. Requires light to germinate; do not cover deeply.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep, spaced 12-24 inches apart. Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Large seeds make them excellent for direct sowing.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires regular watering but is moderately drought tolerant once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial alongside aromatic herbs like Rosemary and Lavender. Avoid planting near highly invasive spreaders as they are bushy and need air circulation.
Special Characteristics
Flowers open in late afternoon (around 4 PM) and are highly fragrant; attracts sphinx moths, hummingbirds, and bees. Roots can be dug up and stored like dahlias in cold climates.