Four O'Clock: Mirabilis jalapa Mirabilis jalapa is native to the Andes Mountains in South America. In 1596, seeds were brought to England from Peru. It earned the common name, four o'clock, because the flowers open in the late afternoon and close in the morning. Four o'clocks are a perennial in tropical climates but grown as an annual in more temperate climates. These plants prefer full sun to part shade and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Bright magenta-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers cover the plants starting in early summer and continue until frost. Deer and rabbit resistant. After the last frost date, soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, direct sow seeds into the garden, 18-24" apart. Cover with ¼" of soil and carefully water them, keeping the soil moist until germination. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at a soil temperature between 70-75°F. Perennial in USDA Zones 9-11. Learn more about Four O'Clocks
