Four O'Clocks Seeds - Broken Colors
Best evening-blooming perennial for gardeners wanting to attract nocturnal pollinators.
Experience the unique charm of Four O'Clocks 'Broken Colors' seeds, yielding bicolored and mottled flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. These captivating blooms unfurl in the late afternoon and continue to delight throughout the night, attracting hummingbirds and nocturnal moths. As a perennial, they offer enduring garden beauty. For controlled growth, consider container planting or winter tuber propagation. Each packet contains at least 25 seeds, promising a season of striking, long-lasting color.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5887
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Botanical Name
Mirabilis jalapa
/ Mirabilis jalapa
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique, multi-colored floral displays
- Residents in hot, dry climates needing low-maintenance plants
- Homesteaders interested in sustainable, long-term seed saving
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting to avoid constant garden maintenance
- Families with curious young children or foraging pets
- Morning gardeners wanting daytime floral enjoyment
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
Nocturnal blooming cycle creates a magnet for moths and hummingbirds alike.
Visual Impact
Mottled, bicolored petals provide a high-contrast display for any garden bed.
Propagation Versatility
Tuber-based growth allows gardeners to easily overwinter and expand their collection.
Ease of Cultivation
Direct sowing and moderate water needs make these ideal for beginners.
Container Adaptability
Compact enough for pots, though they thrive best with ample space.
Bloom Longevity
Perennial nature ensures a reliable return of color season after season.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Mirabilis jalapa
Minimum Seeds per Packet
25
Packet Weight
3g
Planting Season
After Last Frost
Sowing Method
Direct Seed
Seed Depth
1/4 inch
Direct Seed Spacing
6-8 inches
Soil Temperature
65-80℉
Features
- Striking bicolored and mottled flowers
- Blooms open late afternoon and all night
- Attracts hummingbirds and moths
- Perennial for lasting garden color
- Tubers allow for easy propagation
- Container growing option available
- Open-pollinated variety
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise these Four O'Clocks seeds for their exceptional quality and reliable performance. The germination rates are consistently reported as nearly perfect, leading to vigorous, resilient plants that thrive even in hot summer conditions. The 'Broken Colors' mix delivers a vibrant display of pinks, yellows, whites, and magentas, adding significant visual appeal. A cherished feature is the classic, sweet fragrance released during the evening blooms, transforming gardens into fragrant spaces. These low maintenance plants are excellent for attracting pollinators and offer fantastic value. The overall consensus is that these seeds produce robust, beautiful flowers that reliably return, making them highly recommended for all gardeners.
Know before you buy
You should direct sow these seeds outdoors only after the danger of the last frost has passed. The soil temperature should be between 65-80℉ for optimal germination, which typically takes 10 to 14 days.
These blooms typically unfurl in the late afternoon and remain open throughout the night. They are specifically adapted to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths, as well as hummingbirds during the late day.
Yes, 'Broken Colors' Four O'Clocks are well-suited for container gardening. Just ensure your pots are large enough to accommodate their mature size, as these plants can reach a spread of 24 to 36 inches.
They are classified as perennials; however, their winter hardiness depends on your climate. In colder regions, you can dig up and store the tubers over the winter to replant them the following spring.
While you can space seeds 6-8 inches apart during initial sowing, you should thin or transplant them to 24-36 inches apart once they mature. This spacing ensures adequate airflow and room for the plants to reach their full size.
Four O'Clocks require full sun to produce their best display of bicolored and mottled blooms. Ensure they are planted in a location that receives direct sunlight for the majority of the day.
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