How To Grow Four O'Clock From Seeds
Four o'clock plants, also known as Marvel of Peru or Mirabilis jalapa, are prized for their fragrant and vibrant blooms that come in a range of colors including pink, red, yellow, and white.
Their peculiarity is that they bloom in the late afternoon and into the evening, making them a perfect addition to any garden or outdoor space.
If you're interested in growing Four O'Clocks from seeds, here's a guide on how to do it:
- Choose the right location: Four O'Clock plants are native to South America and are best grown in warm climates with well-draining soil. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, but will produce more blooms in full sun. Make sure you choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
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Start Four O'Clock seeds indoors: sow the seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill a seed tray or pots with a well-draining potting soil, then sprinkle the seeds on top. Press them into the soil lightly and water until the soil is moist but not soaking wet. Cover the seeds with a plastic bag or clear plastic wrap to create a greenhouse environment and place in a warm, bright location. The Four O'Clock seeds germination time is on average 2-3 weeks.
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Transplant seedlings Once the seedlings have emerged and are around 2-3 inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden. Make sure to space them out evenly, giving them enough room to grow and develop their root systems.
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Water regularly Four O'Clock plants. They need a soil which is consistently moist, but not soaking wet. Make sure to water them regularly, especially during hot or dry spells.
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Fertilize regularly To encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms, it's important to fertilize Four O'Clock plants regularly. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and apply it every two weeks during the growing season.
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Pinch back stems To encourage bushier growth, it's recommended to pinch back the tips of the Four O'Clock stems when they are around 6-8 inches tall. This will encourage the plant to branch out, producing more blooms.
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Deadhead regularly To encourage more blooms, it's important to deadhead Four O'Clock plants regularly. This means removing spent blooms from the plant to encourage it to focus its energy on producing more flowers.
In conclusion, growing Four O'Clock plants from seeds is a simple and rewarding process.
With proper care and attention, these vibrant and fragrant plants will thrive in your garden and bring color and fragrance to your outdoor space.
