Mirabilis Flowers

Mirabilis Flowers, the famous Four O'Clock or Marvel of Peru, earn their name by opening their tubular, trumpet-shaped blooms late in the day and perfuming the evening garden with a sweet fragrance that fades by next morning. A tender herbaceous perennial in the family Nyctaginaceae, it carries a generous mix of white, red, yellow, pink, purple and even variegated flowers on a bushy plant, making it a charming ornamental choice for borders, pots and beds where its scent and evening pollinators can be enjoyed.

Planting

In Egypt, sow from late winter into spring, roughly February to April once nights are no longer near freezing; in frost-free Upper Egypt you can begin a few weeks earlier. Sow seed directly outdoors after frost has passed, or start indoors about 8 weeks ahead. Plant about 0.6 cm deep; soaking seed overnight or nicking the hard coat speeds germination. Seeds sprout in 5-7 days at around 20-21 C. Space plants 30-60 cm apart in full sun (6+ hours), as mature plants reach 45-100 cm tall.

Fertilizing

Feed monthly through the growing season with a high-potash liquid fertiliser, such as tomato feed, to encourage abundant flowering. In rich soil the need is reduced, so simply fertilise periodically for best growth.

Care

Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained with moderate, regular watering; in pots avoid over-watering, which can rot the roots and tubers. Generally trouble-free and disease-free, though aphids may appear indoors and slugs can occur. Blooms run from summer into autumn. Plants self-seed readily and can become weedy, so deadhead if spread is unwanted. All parts, especially seeds and roots, are harmful if eaten.