Four O'Clock Flower - Marvel of Peru Mixture (Seeds)

Description

Very bushy, vigorous plants growing to 60 cm (2′) in height. Bright, clear flowers of white, red, yellow, rose and lilac open later in the day although they will open somewhat earlier on cloudy days. Flowers are fragrant and attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. Due to their size and bushiness, Four O’Clocks are quite suitable as an informal flowering hedge. Plants produce tubers that often grow large enough to be lifted and stored over the winter much like dahlias. The tubers can be replanted the following spring after the danger of frost has passed. Four O’ Clocks are prolific bloomers and often self sow.

How to Grow

Soak sow for a few hours before planting as this may help speed germination. Sow seed directly in the garden in late May and early June about 1 cm (3/8″) deep and at least 60 cm (2′) from other plants. Thin to 45 cm (18″) apart when seedlings are 5-8 cm (2-3″) tall. For earlier flowering start seed in a soil-less mix indoors 6 weeks before your typical earlier. Germination occurs 7-10 days at 21 C (70 F). Grow-on under lights at 15 C (60 F) then harden off and transplant out to the garden in late May to early June in an area with full sun or a slightly shaded site.