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Open-pollinated seeds Nyctaginaceae

perennial flower

Le potager ornemental de Catherine

Longflower four o'clock

Name: Longflower four o'clock
Brand: Le potager ornemental de Catherine
SKU: POC-SEMENCES
Price: 4.19 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Mirabilis longiflora

Grow Longflower four o'clock from these flower seeds to bring out the characteristic colour, shape and growth habit of its flowers. This four o'clock forms a spreading bush 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) in height. The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. Watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly. In a flower bed, remove only the faded flowers when you want a tidy display rather than saved seeds. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 cm (0.4 in). The recommended location is full sun or partial shade.

Sold as ±20 seeds

4 ¹⁹$

Common nameLongflower four o'clock

FamilyNyctaginaceae

GenusMirabilis

Specieslongiflora

TypeOpen-pollinated seeds

Botanical nameMirabilis longiflora

Reproducible seedsYes

Longflower four o'clock, Mirabilis longiflora, is cultivated primarily for the fragrance it brings to the garden in the evening. Its small white trumpets open in the afternoon, then close in the morning; their fragrance accompanies dusk and the night. The plant forms a spreading, bushy clump 60 to 90 cm (23.6 to 35.4 in) tall and wide. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in cold regions. It thus offers a different kind of interest from flowers admired in daylight. Choose a location where you spend time in the evening, leaving its foliage room to develop freely.

Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, covering them with 1 cm (0.4 in) of growing medium. The seed supplier recommends 30 cm (11.8 in) between plants when setting them out. Still, allow for the volume of a mature clump when arranging paths and neighbouring plants. A location exposed to sun or partial shade, together with soil that provides good drainage, suits this four o'clock. Gradually acclimatize young plants before moving them outdoors. During establishment, monitor moisture without keeping the soil constantly soaked. The stated flowering period runs from July until frost, with a daily rhythm linked to the flowers opening.

In a garden scene, pair this species with plants that remain decorative during the day, when the four o'clock flowers are closed. At dusk, return to the bed to discover its other appearance and fragrance. The seed supplier reports that moths visit the flowers, giving you something else of interest to observe at this particular time of day. Keep the identification Mirabilis longiflora with the seeds: some common names for trumpet-flowered plants can cause confusion. This four o'clock is a non-edible ornamental. The seeds, leaves and flowers are therefore not suggested as recipe ingredients.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

1 cm (0.4 in)

Spacing / density

30 cm (11.8 in)

Sowing period

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.

Propagation

Seed sowing

Growing method

These seed-starting tips for Longflower four o'clock concern gardening in Quebec and can be adjusted to local frost risks. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 cm (0.4 in). Leave 30 cm (11.8 in) between plants. This crop is identified as Mirabilis longiflora. Arrange flowers according to their actual height: taller plants should remain visible without completely hiding a lower border. Leave access for cutting a stem or removing a faded flower. Observe a colour mix plant by plant; it does not guarantee every colour in each small group. Prepare the final growing site and seed-starting supplies first. For seed starting in pots, moisten the growing mix before filling the cells, then sow without compressing it into a hard mass. For direct sowing, remove large soil clods and mark a row that you can locate again after watering. Distribute seeds according to the intended spacing rather than pouring several into one spot. Water the growing medium gently so that the flow of water does not displace the seeds you have sown. Once the seedlings have emerged, keep the healthy young plants and allow enough space for them to continue developing. If seedlings are started indoors, gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions before planting them out. Handle the root ball carefully without pulling on the stem. Transplant into prepared soil, then water to help the soil settle into contact with the root ball. The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Moderate

Watering

For Longflower four o'clock, adjust watering to the stage of growth. Avoid automatic daily watering after establishment: where specified, the source describes dry soil or low-water cultivation. Water the seedbed gently so that the seeds remain in place. After establishment, check moisture near the roots rather than judging only by the appearance of the leaves. Direct water to the base and adjust the amount according to rainfall. Check a wind-exposed container more often; excess water must be able to drain freely.

Soil type

For Longflower four o'clock, the source recommends dry, well-drained soil. Prepare soil that the roots can explore, without large clods around the seeds. Assess drainage after rain as well: water should not remain around the crown for long. In containers, use a growing mix rather than heavy, compacted garden soil. The fertility requirements described for this plant should guide additions, without automatically adding large amounts of compost.

Fertilization

When feeding Longflower four o'clock, begin with the fertility of the growing medium. Do not try to produce a large mass of leaves by applying heavy amounts of nitrogen; respect the actual needs of this crop. Before applying fertilizer, examine the soil or growing mix already in use. Measure each application according to the label and the crop's needs, without combining several products at once. In containers, account for nutrients already present in the growing mix. A plant that is suffering from a lack of water cannot be helped simply by applying additional fertilizer.

Moisture

Even moisture without saturation

Seasonal care

When caring for Longflower four o'clock, keep the following defining characteristic of the plant in mind: this four o'clock forms a spreading bush of 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in.). The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. Monitor the flower buds throughout the growing season and use a clean tool to remove any stems that have broken. Cutting flowers to make a bouquet and keeping flowers for seed saving are two different choices for managing the plants. Retain a few seed capsules only if you want seeds, watching for them to open before dispersal. Start the season with a prepared site and labelled seedlings. During emergence, check that moisture reaches the seed zone without creating a persistent puddle. After planting, observe establishment before adding more fertilizer or pruning. Remove small weeds and check damaged leaves so that isolated damage is not mistaken for a need for fertilizer. Throughout summer, adjust watering to the condition of the soil and the rain received. Check support ties after windy weather, and do not let a tie constrict a thickening stem. Make cuts with a clean tool; do not remove a healthy stem simply to improve the view. In fall, separate what should be harvested, left in place or removed according to the plant's life cycle. After detaching the stems, put the supports away and clean your tools; take care not to move diseased plant debris into other growing areas. Whether the plant returns in spring depends on its stated life cycle, not simply on the word garden in its description. Watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. The recommended location is full sun or partial shade.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

60 to 90 cm (23.6 to 35.4 in)

Width / spread

60 to 90 cm (23.6 to 35.4 in)

Growth habit

Bushy and spreading

Bloom period

Observe flowering in Longflower four o'clock using these guidelines. This four o'clock forms a spreading bush 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) in height. The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. Watch the buds and flowers according to this plant's life cycle. A stated time frame shifts with growing conditions; it does not set the same date for all of Quebec. Cut flowers for bouquets only when this use is documented.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

When choosing companions for Longflower four o'clock, consider light, access and space. Place this plant alongside crops with compatible light and moisture needs, preserving the space required for its foliage. Plan companion planting around the available space and growing requirements. Leave enough light and air around the plant, and keep taller neighbours from covering its foliage. A practical arrangement of plants makes watering and harvesting easier to manage; it does not, by itself, guarantee protection against insect pests or an increase in yield. Keep every crop accessible and maintain its individual spacing.

Garden use

For Longflower four o'clock, the aim is to highlight the colour, form and habit of the flowers. This four o'clock forms a spreading bush 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) in height. The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. Choose the use according to the part harvested and the documented harvest stage. Keep the plants in your garden clearly identified all the way through to the time of harvesting or flowering. The seeds in the packet are for starting this crop: keep the variety label beside the plants.

Frequently asked questions

How do you sow Longflower four o'clock seeds?

For Longflower four o'clock, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 cm (0.4 in). Leave 30 cm (11.8 in) between plants. To choose a sowing date in Quebec, begin with your local frost risk, then apply the timing recommended for this crop. Always plan indoor seed starting by counting backwards from the expected planting date; do not start the seeds too early simply on principle. Prepare containers before sowing and label the variety. Maintain moisture suited to the seeds without leaving standing water. When sowing directly in the garden, prepare the row before distributing the seeds and water gently.

How much space should you allow for Longflower four o'clock?

For Longflower four o'clock, this four o'clock forms a spreading bush of 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in.). The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. Arrange flowers according to their actual height: taller plants should remain visible without completely hiding a lower border. Leave access for cutting a stem or removing a faded flower. Observe a colour mix plant by plant; it does not guarantee every colour in each small group. Choose the position according to this plant's habit and growth, then leave access for watering and cutting. If the plants require a support, put it in place before their stems begin to grow longer. The distance between plants does not replace a working aisle.

How should you manage watering for Longflower four o'clock?

For Longflower four o'clock, avoid automatic daily watering after establishment: where specified, the source describes dry soil or low-water cultivation. Check the growing mix or soil near the roots before watering. Water must reach the root ball, and excess water must then be able to drain from the container or soil. Recent rain, wind and heat affect how often watering is needed. Water at the base rather than routinely wetting the flowers and foliage. When a plant wilts, check its root ball as well: adding water to an already saturated root ball will not solve every problem. Use a gentle stream when watering newly sown seeds. Monitor the flower buds throughout the growing season and use a clean tool to remove any stems that have broken. Cutting flowers to make a bouquet and keeping flowers for seed saving are two different choices for managing the plants.

How should you monitor the development of Longflower four o'clock?

The growth of Longflower four o'clock follows this profile. This four o'clock forms a spreading bush 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) in height. The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. Monitor buds throughout the season and remove broken stems with a clean tool. Cutting flowers to make a bouquet and keeping flowers for seed saving are two different choices for managing the plants. Retain a few seed capsules only if you want seeds, watching for them to open before dispersal. Watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly. In a flower bed, remove only the faded flowers when you want a tidy display rather than saved seeds.

What growth stage should you look for in Longflower four o'clock?

For Longflower four o'clock, watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly. In a flower bed, remove only the faded flowers when you want a tidy display rather than saved seeds. This four o'clock forms a spreading bush 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) in height. The small white flowers open in the afternoon and release their fragrance mostly at night. They attract moths; according to the supplier, the plant is not edible. The schedule is a guide, but observing the plant determines the right moment. Follow the recommended stage for the part harvested, and distinguish botanical maturity from culinary quality. Harvest with a clean tool when the stem resists, and immediately sort out damaged parts.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

The supplier describes the flowers of Longflower four o'clock as appealing to butterflies. Keep some flowers accessible while open if you want to observe these visits. The presence of insects also depends on the surrounding environment and the time of year; this information does not guarantee a particular number of visiting insects or protection against every garden pest.