The complete guide to planting Mirabilis jalapa seeds, from sowing to flowering, easily master planting techniques!

Choose the right planting time, prepare the planting soil, treat the morning glory seeds, manage the planting, prevent and control pests and diseases, harvest and preserve.

Four-o'clock (Scientific name: Mirabilis jalapa), also known as night-blooming cereus, is a beautiful ornamental plant, named for its flowers that open at night with a strong fragrance. Four-o'clock seeds are easy to plant, have strong viability, and are an ideal choice for home gardening enthusiasts. This article will introduce the planting methods of four-o'clock seeds in detail, helping you master planting skills easily and make your garden bloom beautifully.

Choose the right planting time

Four-o'clock seeds are suitable for sowing in spring or autumn when the temperature is between 15-25°C. Sowing too early or too late may affect the plant's growth and flowering.

Prepare the planting soil

Four-o'clock plants are not particular about soil, but well-drained, fertile sandy soil is best. Before sowing, the soil should be deeply turned and dried, then mixed with an appropriate amount of decayed leaf soil or organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility.

Four-o'clock seed treatment

1. Soaking: Soak the four-o'clock seeds in warm water for 12 hours, which helps the seeds absorb water, swell, and improve germination rate.

2. Sowing: Evenly sprinkle the soaked seeds on the soil surface and cover them with about 1 centimeter of soil.

3. Watering: Water thoroughly after sowing and keep the soil moist.

Planting management

1. Watering: Four-o'clock plants prefer a moist environment. Keep the soil moist during growth but avoid waterlogging.

2. Fertilizing: Apply a dilute compound fertilizer every 15 days during the growing period to promote plant growth.

3. Weeding: Remove weeds in a timely manner to prevent them from competing with the four-o'clock plants for nutrients.

4. Pruning: After the flowering period, prune the withered flowers in a timely manner to promote plant growth and reblooming.

Pest and disease control

Common pests and diseases of four-o'clock plants include aphids and red spiders. When pests and diseases are found, spray insecticides for control in a timely manner.

Harvest and preservation

When the four-o'clock seeds are mature, they will fall off naturally. Gently shake the plant when the seeds are mature to make them fall off naturally, and store the collected seeds in a dry, well-ventilated place for the next sowing.

Four-o'clock seeds are easy to plant and have strong viability, making them an ideal choice for home gardening enthusiasts. With the methods mentioned above, I believe you have mastered the planting skills of four-o'clock seeds. Just be patient, and soon you will be able to enjoy the beautiful flowers of four-o'clock in your garden.

References:

《China Flower Planting Technology Manual》, China Agricultural Press, 2018th edition.

《Home Gardening Planting Guide》, Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2017th edition.