Everything you need to know about Mirabilis Jalapa Seeds

Mirabilis Jalapa Seeds Questions & Answers



What is the use of Mirabilis jalapa seeds?
Besides being used for growing gorgeous flowering plants, mirabilis jalapa seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues, respiratory problems and skin conditions. Due to their unique shape, they are also used in ornamental crafts such as making jewelry or ornaments. Lastly, as they attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, they are used in wildlife gardens to support local ecosystems.

Is mirabilis easy to grow?
Yes, Mirabilis jalapa is generally considered easy to grow. It is adaptable to various soil types, can tolerate both full sun and partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. It requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.

What are the common names for Mirabilis jalapa?
Mirabilis Jalapa is also known as The Marvel of Peru or the Four O'Clock Flower.

Do I need to soak 4 o'clock seeds?
Soaking mirabilis seeds has the potential benefits of softening the hard seed coat, perhaps leading to faster germination. However, its tricky to know how much soaking the seeds need and excessive water can lead to seed damage. Mirabilis seeds generally germinate well without soaking, especially if you keep conditions warm and moist.

Do Mirabilis jalapa like sun or shade?
Mirabilis jalapa prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but can also tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates where afternoon shade can provide relief from intense sun and heat.

How do you germinate 4 o'clock seeds?
Sow on the surface of a good, free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite, just covering the seed. Do not exclude light, as this is necessary for germination. Keep conditions warm and moist until seedlings emerge (approx 7-14 days).

Is Mirabilis jalapa flowers fragrant?
Yes, Mirabilis jalapa flowers are often fragrant, especially in the evening. The fragrance is most noticeable during the late afternoon and evening hours, hence the common name "4 o'clock." The fragrance is a sweet, pleasant scent that attracts pollinators such as moths, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Are 4 o'clock flowers poisonous?
Yes, the seeds of Mirabilis jalapa contain toxins and can be poisonous if ingested in large quantities. It's important to keep the seeds out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

How tall do Mirabilis jalapa get?
On average, Mirabilis typically grow to a height of about 50 to 80 cm depending on growing conditions.

Is Mirabilis jalapa and dog flower same?
No they are not the same, Mirabilis belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family and has trumpet-shaped flowers. Dog flower, or Antirrhinum majus belongs to Plantaginaceae family and has snapdragon-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

Is Mirabilis an evergreen?
No, Mirabilis jalapa is not evergreen. It is a deciduous plant, meaning it sheds its leaves annually in the fall and remains dormant during the winter months.

How do you propagate 4 o'clocks from cuttings?
Cut a stem just below a leaf node and remove lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) then insert the cutting into a pot filled will well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried in the soil. Keep soil most but not waterlogged. Once roots have developed, you can transplant into a larger pot or directly into the garden.