How to Plant Four O'clocks
Introduction: This article discusses the topic of planting Four O'clocks and the methods for growing them in pots, with detailed information to follow.
Four O'clocks are native to tropical America, but they have a long history of cultivation in China as ornamental plants, even mentioned in "Dream of the Red Chamber." Their fruits were used to make face powder for ancient people, hence the names "Blush Flower" and "Face Powder Flower." Modern varieties of Four O'clocks are more diverse, and due to their large size, they are more suitable for cultivation in gardens. However, they also have high ornamental value as potted plants and are not difficult to grow, especially when in full bloom from June to October, adding a splash of vibrant colors and fragrance to rooms and balconies in the summer. Let's now learn about the planting methods for Four O'clocks in pots.
One, Seed Planting Method
1. Sowing Time
Four O'clocks are annual plants with a large number of flowers and fruits, making them very suitable for seed propagation. The seeds can also spread and reproduce on their own. In southern China, seeds are usually sown in spring and can bloom in summer. The southern regions are most suitable for their growth, and seeds can be sown in spring or summer, with blooms in the following season.
2. Soil for Sowing
The chosen soil should be deep, fertile, and loose. General potting soil for flowers can be used, or a mixture of sand, garden soil, and leaf mold can be used as a growing medium, with sufficient base fertilizer applied.
3. Sowing Method
Dry black seeds can be collected during the flowering period. It is best to plant them in early spring of the following year. Choose plump seeds, place them on the soil surface after preparing the soil, then cover with a thin layer of soil. Use 3 to 5 seeds for large pots, and 2 seeds for small and medium pots. Water after sowing, with a germination temperature of around 20°C.
4. Transplanting
Seedlings can be transplanted directly after emergence or after growing 2 to 4 leaves. When transplanting, the seedlings should be taken with soil and shaded after transplanting, with appropriate watering and fertilization.
5. Precautions
If you want to maintain the purity of the flower color, collect seeds from plants that are not surrounded by other varieties, as Four O'clocks are wind-pollinated and easily crossbreed.
Two, Rhizome Transplanting Method
Since Four O'clocks prefer a warm and humid environment and are not cold-tolerant, the above-ground parts die in winter when temperatures are too low. However, if the temperature is suitable, the underground rhizomes can survive and produce new plants the following year. In southern regions, they can overwinter directly, while in northern regions, the rhizomes can be dug up in late autumn and stored in moist soil at low temperatures indoors, or the above-ground parts can be left 3 to 5 centimeters long, dried, and then stored in a dry place with no direct sunlight at around 10°C.
In spring, they can be placed in a well-lit area to wait for germination or repotted. It is best to place only one rhizome per pot, leaving part of the rhizome exposed above the soil. The rhizome can be reused for 3 to 5 years and can last up to ten years, becoming more vigorous with age and forming an attractive bonsai.
Three, Cutting Propagation Method
Cuttings can be made using branches with young buds, and a mixture of sand, coal slag, and garden soil can be used as the growing medium. In an environment of about 20°C, roots can form in about 10 days, after which they can be transplanted into pots with soil.
Four, Division Propagation Method
In warm southern regions, new plants will grow from the underground rhizomes in spring, and new plants from seeds that fell the previous year will also grow around the base of the plant. These can be dug up and replanted in warmer, more humid conditions. Transplanting is not recommended if the air is dry and the temperature is high.
The above information is about how to plant Four O'clocks and the methods for growing them in pots, for everyone's reference and operation.