Four-O-Clocks

The Seed Savers Exchange - Discovered by Conquistadors in the 16th century, Four O’Clocks, also known as Marvel of Peru, open their fragrant flowers in the late afternoon. Blooms range from white to magenta and attract hummingbird moths. A tender perennial, often grown as an annual, this species grows 2-3' tall and can self-sow. Tender perennial/annual plants grow to 2-3 feet tall A wide range of colors Fragrant blossoms attract pollinators and birds Great for ornamental plantings 25 Seeds Instructions -Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after the last frost. Can also be direct-seeded outdoors after the last frost. Prefers average soil. Plant near a patio, door, or window to catch their heavenly scent. May self-seed in mild climates. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-18 days Thin 12-18" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Renee's Garden - Fragrant Four O’Clocks bloom in the afternoons and early evenings at midsummer, releasing a soft jasmine fragrance that floats on summer breezes. This hard-to-find heirloom variety offers 2-inch trumpet-shaped blossoms in a shade matching the color of perfectly ripe peaches. Plant these lovely, easy-to-grow, branching flowers where you sit or walk to enjoy their delicious perfume just when other flowers begin to languish in the heat. Hummingbirds love to visit these flowers.   Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/Fall bloom  Frost tender    Instructions - To start outdoors, plant in full sun in ordinary garden soil when spring weather is warm and settled and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 4 to 5 inches apart. Firm soil over seeds. Keep moist until germination in 10 to 12 days.  To start early indoors, seeds can be started indoors about 3 weeks before the last expected frost, but since Four O’Clocks grow so quickly, we advise sowing directly into the garden in all but very short summer areas. Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart when they are large enough to handle, so plants have ample room to grow and mature. Vigorous, free-blooming Four O’Clocks grow easily and quickly to fill in borders or open areas. When possible, plant them close by where you walk or sit, so you can enjoy their delicious soft perfume that wafts in the air on sultry warm summer afternoons and evenings. In Mild Climates, Four O’Clocks self-sow readily, so remove seed pods before seeds fall to the ground if you don’t want plants to spread around the garden.  Plant in May-June for cold winters; April-June for mild winters  Full sun  Sow seeds 4-5" apart; 1/2" deep  7-10 days to germinate  Mature height: 3-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Four O’Clocks start flowering at midsummer, releasing a soft jasmine fragrance that floats on summer breezes. Broken Colors is a special variety of these easy-to-grow, branching flowers, whose starry 2-inch trumpet-shaped blossoms are beautifully splashed with contrasting colors. The visual effect is both arresting and lovely. Plant Four O’Clocks where you sit or walk to enjoy their delicious perfume just when other flowers begin to languish in the heat.    Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/Fall bloom  Frost tender    Instructions - To start outdoors, Plant in full sun in ordinary garden soil when spring weather is warm and settled and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 4 to 5 inches apart. Firm soil over seeds. Keep moist until germination in 10 to 12 days.  To start early indoors, Seeds can be started indoors about 4 weeks before the last expected frost, but since Four O’Clocks grow so quickly, we advise sowing directly into the garden in all but very short summer areas. Thin or transplant seedlings 12 inches apart when they are large enough to handle so plants have ample room to grow and mature.  Vigorous, free-blooming Four O’Clocks grow quickly and will effortlessly fill in borders or large open areas to bloom in the afternoons and evenings beginning in mid-summer. If possible, plant Broken Colors close to where you pass by often, so you can enjoy their delicious soft perfume that fills the air. In mild winter climates, Four O’Clocks self-sow readily, so remove the seed pods before seeds fall to the ground if you don’t want plants to spread around the garden.  Plant in March-June  Full Sun or light shade  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 4-5" apart  10-12 days to germinate  Mature height: 2-3 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.