91-105 Days to maturity. Mirabilis jalapa. Marvel of Peru Seeds. Non-GMO. Open-Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual or Perennial. Marvel of Peru seeds easily grow eye-catching and fragrant four o'clock flowers bursting with a sweet fragrance every day around 4 pm. Marvel of Peru Four O'clocks thrive in heat and are tolerant to a wide range of soils. Marvel of Peru seeds mature into robust and exotic 24-36 inch bushy upright plants ideal for indoor planters and baskets to accent any room with authentic summertime aroma. Marvel of Peru four o'clock seeds in your garden promise to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and even the neighbors all season long. Approximately 400 Seeds / Ounce.

Latin Name: Mirabilis jalapa
Hardiness Zone: Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6; Perennial in zones 7, 8, 9, 10
Days to Maturity:91-105
Days to Germination: 7-14
Seeding Depth: uncovered
Plant Spacing: 36 inches
Row Spacing: 48-60 inches
Plant Height: 24-36 inches
Plant Width: 24-48 inches
Growth Habit: Bushy upright with dense trumpet-shaped blooms.
Soil Preference:Average moisture garden loam. Chalky and sandy soils are acceptable. Not pH picky.
Temperature Preference: 70-85 F
Light Preference: Full Sun.
Pests and Diseases:Four O Clock has no known pests or diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids and slugs, especially in very humid or wet conditions.
Marvel of Peru Color:Glossy green foliage with a mix of shades of red, fuchsia, yellow, white, and pink-striped blooms.
Easy/Hard: Easy
Direct Sow: Yes Direct Sow
Start Indoors: Yes, 6-8 weeks before transplanting

Growing Non-GMO Marvel of Peru Flower Seeds

Marvel of Peru's four o'clock seeds can be broadcasted directly or sown traditionally after the frost but, for earliest blooms, begin indoors 6-8 weeks prior. Germination will take 7-14 days in full lighting and harden off to a partially shaded place in the garden. Plants can be uprooted and stored over overwinter in a moist medium in a garage or basement for next spring, yielding bigger and brighter blooms from the established roots. Marvel of Peru's four o'clock flowers tolerate a wide range of soils and are known to be especially tolerant of dry and sandy soils. Marvel of Peru grows potato-like tuberous roots that can be overwintered like dahlias. Roots can be uprooted in the fall and stored over the winter for more robust spring blooming. Cut the foliage back before uprooting the tubers.

This gorgeous plant can be a woody perennial in frost-free climates providing beauty year after year, or it can be grown as an annual in more temperate regions. The plant is killed when temperatures get below freezing. When growing as a perennial, move a layer of mulch over the winter to protect the roots. Propagate by seeds or division of the tubers in the spring.

Marvel of Peru in the Flower Garden

Any fragrance-centered flower garden would be incomplete without a Marvel of Peru specimen! These highly tolerant plants provide a perfect background, hedge, screen, or border. They even work well in annual or perennial flower beds. Four O’Clocks are tolerant to deer, rabbits, and wet soil. Marvel of Peru flowers is also ideal for a moon or night garden because they are always open at night time and close in the morning until late afternoon.

Landscaping with Marvel of Peru

Landscapes in warm, coastal locations are the perfect candidates for this beautiful plant. Try incorporating it into Informal, Mediterranean, or cottage-themed gardens in these areas- it will thrive!

About Marvel of Peru Garden Seeds

Mirabilis jalapa, more typically known as the Four O’Clock Plant, is native to Peru and its warm coastal climate and was first introduced to Europe in 1525. The four o’clock earns its name because it opens every day around 4:00 pm and emits a sweet and fragrant nectar that remains available until morning when the bloom will close and wait until 4:00 again.

No one is exactly sure why the blooms operate on a schedule but most scientists agree that it has something to do with the types or species of pollinators that it favors. It opens its flowers during times of day when those pollinators are more likely to be active.

Marvel of Peru and Four O’Clock Flower can also be known as False Jalap, Garden Jalap, Jalap Plant, Marvel of the World, Pearl of Egypt, and Japanese Wonder Flower.

Marvel of Peru is rarely invasive but should be monitored. It is considered invasive in Hawaii.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Marvel of Peru Grows quite well in most regions of North Carolina. Try sending these seeds as gifts to your friends in that area!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Marvel of Peru Seeds Per Package:

1 g - Approximately 15 Seeds
1 oz- Approximately 400 Seeds
4 oz - Approximately 1,600 Seeds
1 lb - Approximately 6,400 Seeds
5 lb - Approximately 32,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Marvel of Peru seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on orders over $45.

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