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Red Four O'Clock Seeds

Mirabilis jalapa

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in early spring, planting just under the surface of the soil; place Red Four O'Clock flower seeds about 6 inches apart. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. When the seedlings can safely be handled, thin or transplant for wider spacing.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants should only need water in dry weather, since they prefer slightly dry soil and tolerate drought well. Keep weeds controlled. Deadheading is not necessary, though occasional pruning can be helpful to growth and appearance. This plant easily reseeds itself, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, each will produce a large, wrinkled seed. Gather Mirabilis Jalapa red seeds as soon as they have ripened to their mature black color. Store in a cool, dry place until planting.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Marvel of Peru

Latin Name: Mirabilis jalapa

Species Origin: Introduced US Flower

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual, Tender Perennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 400

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Red

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~50 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~400 Seeds) $5.96 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $9.60 $8.89 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $18.00 -+
5 Lb Mylar (2.27kg) $81.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $144.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $342.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $648.00 -+
100 Lb Bulk Bag (45.4kg) $1,260.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This flower has a habit of opening in the late afternoon, just in time for supper on the patio. This garden favorite produces fragrant blossoms in brilliant crimson that bloom for only one afternoon. Not to worry, there are always new blossoms each day.
This popular garden flower earned its name because of its habit of opening in late afternoon; this unique characteristic is caused by fluctuations in temperature and light. The genus name "Mirabilis" comes from the Latin word for "wonderful," while the species name "jalapa" refers to an often used name for locations in South and Central America. Founding father Thomas Jefferson grew these flowers in his extensive estate gardens at Monticello, referring to them as the "fragrant Marvel of Peru." Historians believe that the ancient Aztecs were the first to raise these flowers, which made their way to Europe by the early 18th century and were classified by Linnaeus in 1753.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in early spring, planting just under the surface of the soil; place Red Four O'Clock flower seeds about 6 inches apart. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. When the seedlings can safely be handled, thin or transplant for wider spacing.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants should only need water in dry weather, since they prefer slightly dry soil and tolerate drought well. Keep weeds controlled. Deadheading is not necessary, though occasional pruning can be helpful to growth and appearance. This plant easily reseeds itself, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, each will produce a large, wrinkled seed. Gather Mirabilis Jalapa red seeds as soon as they have ripened to their mature black color. Store in a cool, dry place until planting.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Marvel of Peru

Latin Name: Mirabilis jalapa

Species Origin: Introduced US Flower

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual, Tender Perennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 400

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Red

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers