Four O'ClockRose, Mirabilis Jalapa 50 Seeds ** Scarify seeds per instructions. Free Shipping!
This flower tends to open up in the late afternoon, just in time for dinner on the patio. A favorite in gardens, it produces fragrant, bright crimson blooms that last for just one afternoon. But don’t worry, new blossoms pop up every day.
This well-loved garden flower got its name from its late afternoon blooming habit, which is influenced by changes in temperature and light. The genus name "Mirabilis" is derived from the Latin word for "wonderful," while the species name "jalapa" is linked to names used for places in South and Central America. Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers, cultivated these flowers in his expansive gardens at Monticello, calling them the "fragrant Marvel of Peru." Historians think the ancient Aztecs were the first to grow these flowers, which made their way to Europe by the early 18th century and were classified by Linnaeus in 1753.
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
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 24 Inches
Color: Rose
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers
Planting Rose Four O'Clock Seeds
When to Plant
Direct Sowing: Wait until the frost danger has passed.
Starting Indoors: Start about eight weeks before the last frost date.
Planting Instructions
Seed Preparation:
Scarify the seeds by making a small cut with a knife or rubbing them with sandpaper.
Soak the seeds overnight to boost germination.
Sowing Seeds:
Scatter seeds on the soil surface and gently press them down.
Make sure they get light, as it's essential for germination.
Germination Conditions:
Keep the soil temperature between 65-75ºF.
Germination usually happens within 7 to 14 days.
Care After Planting
Watering: Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater to avoid root rot.
Sunlight: Four O'Clocks do best in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Additional Tips
Spacing: Leave about 12 inches between plants for proper growth.
Soil: They can thrive in different soil types but prefer well-drained, humus-rich soil.
By following these steps, you can successfully cultivate Red Four O'Clock flowers in your garden.
Harvesting: These flowers don’t do well as cut flowers, so it’s best to enjoy them outdoors.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, they’ll produce a large, wrinkled seed. Collect the Mirabilis Jalapa red seeds once they’ve ripened to a mature black color. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.
At MarMac’s Seeds, we go the extra mile to ensure your seeds arrive safely and securely.
All of our seeds are packaged in a plastic leak-proof pouch to keep them safe from moisture or water exposure.
We typically use 9x6 heavy-duty craft paper or bubble envelopes for shipping, providing extra cushioning for your seeds during transit. Additionally, each seed comes with an information sheet, giving you all the necessary details to start your seeds successfully. This informative sheet, printed on 8x10 22lb stock paper, also offers an extra layer of protection for your seeds.
We dispatch all orders on the same day if received by 9 AM EST for mail pickup; otherwise, they will be shipped the following morning—no exceptions! Most orders are sent using eBay standard postage with limited tracking.
Larger orders exceeding $25 will be shipped via USPS Ground. All shipping is complimentary.
Recently, the post office implemented an additional $0.49 surcharge on all our bubble envelopes, referred to as a Non-Machinable Surcharge.
Thus, when you notice our prices being slightly higher than the competition, these are just a few reasons why. Many sellers send their seeds unprotected in a standard 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 envelope with a 78-cent stamp, lacking insurance, protection, and tracking.
We warranty all our orders for 30 days for a full refund. That is a must when your in the Top Sellers Group. Another plus we have over others.
I will continue to serve the gardeners who value these additional features.