Days to Maturity: 90
An heirloom variety, four o'clocks, also known as marvel of Peru, are tuberous-rooted tender perennials (Zones 8-10), typically grown as warm weather annuals, offering summer to fall interest. Four o'clocks blooms in fragrant, funnel-shaped, tubular flowers, opening late in the day until the following morning, in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. Borne in terminal or axillary clusters of one to several blooms, the flowers attract birds, hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, and butterflies and make nice cut flowers.
These four o'clocks have a bushy, erect, spreading habit of heart-shaped green leaves. Easy to grow, they prefer full sun to part shade and average, consistently moist, well-drained soils, but they tolerate a wide range of soils.
Open pollinated, they produce seed that grows true to variety, ideal for seed saving. If allowed to go to seed, they may self-seed in optimum conditions, so consider planting in a naturalized area or removing flowers before they go to seed.
Direct sow four o'clock seeds after the danger of frost has passed or start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Plants flower heaviest on established roots. Tuberous roots may be overwintered in a cool, dry location but should be kept in a slightly moist medium.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
