Mixed Four O'Clock Seeds
Mirabilis jalapa
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in early spring, planting just under the surface of the soil; place the 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 the 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 Wildflower
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: 370
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Height: 24 Inches
Uses: Cut Flowers
DESCRIPTION
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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 the 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 the 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 Wildflower
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: 370
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Height: 24 Inches
Uses: Cut Flowers