Formula Mix, Four O'clock Seeds

Formula Mix Four O'Clock Seed

Trumpet flowers mingle red, pink, yellow, white, and magenta
Fragrant blooms open reliably in late afternoon
Low-maintenance plants tolerate partial shade and browsing
An old-fashioned favorite for evening garden enjoyment

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Mirabilis jalapa

Days to maturity

70 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

Zones 7–10 Check your growing zone

About Formula Mix, Four O'Clock Seed, Four O'Clock Seed

Formula Mix Four O’Clock seeds produce a vibrant blend of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, white, and magenta, known for blooming in the late afternoon—hence their name. Native to South America and popular in gardens since the 1800s, these bushy, heat-tolerant plants grow 18–36 inches tall and spread up to 24 inches, forming dense, colorful mounds.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

B - Warm-Water Soak

In-row plant spacing

18-24"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Tender Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 7-10

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

21,625

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

For Four O'Clock, select a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. Plan to soak seed in warm water before sowing to soften the seed coat and improve germination.

Planting

Start four o'clock indoors 4–10 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow after frost where the season is long. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence, then provide strong light and airflow. Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting into warm soil. Space four o'clocks 12–24 inches apart, allowing more room for large varieties.

Watering

Four O'Clock needs consistent moisture during establishment but tolerates moderate dryness afterward. Water deeply during prolonged drought, allowing the upper soil to dry between applications.

Fertilizer

Four O'Clock needs only moderate feeding. Use diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth, following label rates and limiting nitrogen so plants remain compact and flower freely.

Harvesting

Harvest four o'clock as buds begin opening or when blooms reach full color, depending on intended use. Cut above a branching point, place stems in water promptly, and remove spent flowers regularly.

Tips

Four o’clocks can self-sow heavily and form persistent tuberous roots, so remove seeds where spread is unwanted. Seeds and roots are toxic if ingested; wear gloves when handling sensitive skin.

Pests & Diseases

Four o’clock may develop rust, leaf spots, powdery mildew, or root rot. Remove foliage with orange pustules before spores spread and discard soft, decaying roots during lifting. Good drainage matters most for overwintered roots; dry them before storage and never replant pieces showing mold or wet decay.

Monitor four o'clock for aphids, thrips, mites, beetles, slugs, and chewing caterpillars. Remove badly infested growth, use physical controls first, and apply labeled treatments outside pollinator-active hours.