Flower Garden · Seed to Bloom

How to grow four o'clock

Grow Four O’Clock for bushy warm-season plants covered in fragrant trumpet flowers that open in late afternoon and evening.

Soak or nick large seedPlant after frostSite for evening enjoyment
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Botanical illustration of pink yellow white magenta and striped Four O Clock flowers
Botanical nameMirabilis jalapaFour O’Clock
Sow depth¼ inchCover firmly
Germination7–14 daysWarm soil
Spacing12–24 inchesBushy habit
BloomAfternoon to eveningSummer to frost

Flower profile

Plan the display around its evening schedule.

Four O’Clock forms a broad, heat-tolerant plant with trumpet blooms that open late in the day. Fragrance and fresh flowers are best enjoyed near patios and paths.

Use the large seed correctlySoak seed overnight or gently nick the coat, then sow about ¼ inch deep in warm soil. Avoid damaging the embryo while scarifying.

four o'clock at a glance

From seed to a productive flower display

01SoakOvernight02SowAfter frost03Sprout7–14 days04Thin12–24 inches05BudWarm summer06OpenLate afternoon

Planting

Soak, sow warm, and give each plant room.

Direct sow after frost or start 4–6 weeks early in individual pots to limit root disturbance.

01

Soak or lightly nick seed

Use room-temperature water overnight.

02

Plant about ¼ inch deep

Keep warm soil evenly moist.

03

Space 12–24 inches apart

Allow the rounded mature plants to fill out.

Ongoing care

Keep plants healthy and flowers productive

Give full sun

Light afternoon shade is acceptable in hot climates.

Water during establishment

Mature plants tolerate short dry periods.

Feed lightly

Rich nitrogen produces leaves over flowers.

Deadhead or collect seed

Remove spent blooms or allow selected seeds to mature.

Season checkpoints

Follow the plant’s visible progress.

7–14 days

Seedlings emerge

4–6 weeks

Bushy growth begins

Warm summer

Buds develop

Late afternoon

Fresh blooms open

Garden display

Enjoy flowers where they open.

Four O’Clock flowers are short-lived and best enjoyed on the plant. Remove spent blooms and damaged stems to keep the mound attractive.

  1. Observe flowers late in the day.
  2. Collect mature black seed when dry.
  3. Wear gloves if skin is sensitive.

Urban Farmer selections

Choose a Four O’Clock mixture

Tall Mix product imageTall · multicolorTall MixA colorful blend for fragrant evening borders.Checking availability…Shop Tall Mix →Formula Mix product imageBushy · balanced mixFormula MixA coordinated mixture of solid and patterned trumpets.Checking availability…Shop Formula Mix →

Questions flower gardeners ask

Four o'clock growing FAQ

When should Four O’Clock be sown?

After frost when soil is warm.

Should seed be soaked?

An overnight soak can speed germination.

How deep should seed be planted?

About ¼ inch.

How long does germination take?

Usually 7–14 days.

How far apart should plants be?

Space 12–24 inches.

When do flowers open?

Late afternoon into evening.

Does it need full sun?

Full sun gives the heaviest bloom.

Will plants return next year?

They may overwinter from tuberous roots in mild climates or self-sow.

Are seeds edible?

No; keep seeds and plant parts away from children and pets.

Can it grow in containers?

Yes, use a large stable pot.

Ready to plant?

Create a fragrant garden that comes alive late in the day.

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