How to Grow Four o'clock
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Four o'clock
Mirabilis jalapa
flowerFour o'clock is a tender perennial flowering plant known for its tubular, fragrant flowers that typically open in the late afternoon (hence the common name). The plant produces dramatic magenta, pink, red, yellow, or white blooms, often with striped or variegated patterns on a single plant. It's grown as an annual in most climates and self-seeds readily, returning year after year.
When should you plant Four o'clock in your zone?
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Example Four o'clock timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Four o'clock
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Four o'clock blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Four o'clock dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Get my Four o'clock timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall leaves emerge with characteristic oval to heart-shaped form. Plant is low-growing and tender.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warmth (70-75°F ideal). Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy branching structure with increasingly dense foliage. Leaves darken to deep green.
Water regularly, pinch back tips to encourage bushiness. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksTerminal clusters of flower buds form at branch tips. Buds are small and tightly packed.
Maintain consistent watering and feeding schedule. Ensure adequate sunlight triggers flower production.
Flowering
12+ weeks (June to frost in most regions)Tubular flowers open in afternoon/evening, displaying vibrant colors. Multiple flowers bloom per cluster.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming. Flowers close by morning.
Seed Development
4-6 weeks until seed maturityFlowers fade and small round seed pods develop at the base of spent flowers.
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production. Seeds mature in fall and can be collected or allowed to self-seed.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve humidity.
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray every 7-10 days.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators.
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Hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if population is heavy.
Uses
Traditional Uses in Latin American Cuisine
CulinaryThe flowers and leaves of four o'clock have been used in traditional Latin American cooking and beverages for centuries. Some varieties produce edible tubers that can be prepared similarly to potatoes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalFour o'clock has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Latin American folk medicine to treat various conditions including skin disorders, inflammation, and digestive complaints. The roots and leaves contain compounds studied for potential therapeutic properties. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe flowers produce vibrant red and pink pigments that can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts. The pigment (betacyanin) is particularly concentrated in magenta-flowered varieties. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
CraftThe fragrant, colorful four o'clock flowers are excellent for fresh-cut arrangements, particularly in evening displays since blooms remain open through evening hours and close by morning. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFour o'clock flowers attract moths, hummingbirds, and other evening pollinators with their sweet fragrance and nectar. The evening opening pattern aligns with nocturnal pollinator activity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Four o'clock is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested like vegetables. Enjoy blooms from mid-summer through fall frost. For seed saving, allow flowers to mature into pods, then collect dried seed pods in fall before frost. Seeds can be stored dry and cool over winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Four o'clock flowers get their name from their habit of opening in late afternoon (typically 3-4 PM) and closing by morning, making them popular in evening gardens.
- 🌱 A single four o'clock plant can produce flowers of multiple colors—red, pink, yellow, and white—sometimes on the same branch, due to genetic variegation in the anthocyanin pigments.
- 🌱 The plant was introduced to Europe from Mexico in the 16th century and became so popular that it's now naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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