The Complete Guide on Growing and Caring for Four O'Clock Plants

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and fragrance to your garden, look no further than the beautiful four o’clock plants (Mirabilis jalapa). These bushy, blooming perennials are a joy to grow and maintain. Their unique characteristic of blooming in the late afternoon, typically around 4 p.m., makes them a delightful addition to any garden.

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Getting to Know Four O’Clock Plants

Four o’clock plants are known for their slightly pointed oval leaves on branching stems. The trumpet-shaped flowers, measuring approximately 2 inches long, come in various colors, often shades of pink and red. Some varieties even produce flowers in multiple colors with marbling or other intricate markings.

One important thing to keep in mind when growing four o’clock plants is that all parts of the plant are toxic to both people and pets. Be sure to handle them with care and keep them out of reach of children and animals.

Four O’Clock Plant Care Tips

Taking care of your four o’clock plants is relatively simple, as long as you follow a few key guidelines. Here are some essential care tips to help your plants thrive:

Light

Four o’clock plants thrive in full sun, meaning they need approximately six hours of direct sunlight each day.
While they can tolerate partial shade, too much shade may result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.

Soil

These plants can adapt to various soil types, but they prefer rich, loamy, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and protect the roots.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Water your plants whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry.

Temperature and Humidity

Four o’clock plants thrive in warm temperatures and may not survive frost and cold temperatures.
Maintain adequate soil moisture to ensure the plants thrive in various humidity levels.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and continue feeding monthly until fall.
If your soil is already rich in nutrients, you may only need to fertilize once in the spring.

Types of Four O’Clock Plants

There are several varieties of four o’clock plants to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics:

Mirabilis jalapa ‘Alba’
Mirabilis jalapa ‘Jingles’
Mirabilis jalapa ‘Kaleidoscope’

Pruning Tips for Healthy Growth

Pruning is essential to promote bushier growth and more abundant flowering in your four o’clock plants. Here are a few pruning tips to keep your plants looking fresh:

Pinch back the main shoot when the plant is young to encourage bushier growth.
In dry weather, shear back about a third of the plant to rejuvenate its appearance.

How to Grow Four O’Clock Plants From Seed

If you want to grow four o’clock plants from seed, follow these simple steps:

Soak the seeds overnight in water for best germination results.
Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil or a seed-starting mix if starting indoors.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy until seedlings appear.

Overwintering Your Four O’Clock Plants

After the blooming season ends, you can harvest the tuberous roots and store them for winter in a cool, dark location. Remember to replant them in the spring once temperatures are reliably above freezing.

Dealing With Common Plant Diseases

While four o’clock plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, rusts and leaf spot diseases can sometimes affect them. Follow integrated pest management practices to manage these issues, such as discarding affected plants and applying fungicide as needed.

Encouraging Blooms in Four O’Clock Plants

Four o’clock plants are known for their profuse blooms, but there are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your plants:

Keep the plants deadheaded by removing spent blooms to promote continuous blooming.
Providing ample sunlight is crucial for maximizing blooms each year.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you encounter issues with your four o’clock plants, such as curling leaves or lack of blooming, consider the following remedies:

Curling leaves may be caused by pests like aphids; use insecticidal soap to control them.
Ensure your plants are in nutrient-rich soil and receive adequate heat and sunlight for optimal blooming.

By following these care tips and guidelines, you can enjoy beautiful, fragrant blooms from your four o’clock plants throughout the growing season. Whether grown in garden beds or containers, these versatile plants are sure to add charm and beauty to your outdoor space. Happy gardening!