Sowing and growing instructions

Dig a good shovelful of fine, rich compost about a foot deep below surface level to accommodate four o'clock's long taproot, and be ready to keep the area consistently moist during and beyond germination.

Seed Treatment: Mirabilis seeds can remain dormant for years. When growing four o’clock from seed, we recommend either (or both) a good overnight soak in lukewarm water, or mechanical stratification by scoring or lightly sanding the seeds to assist in germination. For the latter, a few passes with an Emery board work well. For more tips on treating seeds prior to planting, check out our post, "The Dirt on Successful Seed Germination."

When to Plant Outdoors: Direct sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed.

When and How to Plant Indoors: Sow your four o'clock seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to your last frost. Protect the growing taproot by planting in peat pots or CowPots™, and consider growing and watering them in capillary trays to encourage root growth from the bottom. If you don't have overhead fluorescent lights and sub-tray heat mats, germinate your seeds in a warm, sunny window.

Seed Depth: Plant 1/4" deep. M. jalapa seeds are larger than most that require sunlight, so they shouldn't be surface sown.

Seed Spacing: Plant or thin 12" to 18" apart.

Days to Germination: 7-14 days at 70°F.

Transplanting Tips: Soak and score your peat pots and plant them in loose, damp-to-wet garden soil. Take care not to damage the growing taproot.