This heirloom garden favorite produces fragrant blossoms in brilliant rose that bloom for just one afternoon. Not to worry, there are always new blossoms each day!
Fast-growing Marvel of Peru flourishes almost anywhere including hot, windy spots, and tolerates most soil types. Fragrant, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Excellent as an annual hedge. Reseeds freely. Wonderful in barrels, tubs, or other large containers.
Also known as Four O'Clock, named because of its habit of opening in the early evening; this unique characteristic is caused by fluctuations in temperature and light.
The genus name "Mirabilis" comes from the Latin word for "wonderful," while the species name "jalapa" refers to an often used name for locations in South and Central America. Historians believe that the ancient Aztecs were the first to raise these flowers, which made their way to Europe by the early 18th century and were classified by Linnaeus in 1753.
Hardiness: Tender perennial in USDA zones 9–11, usually grown as an annual
Height: 24"–48" tall
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Blooms: Summer to frost
Attributes: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
• Scroll down for detailed growing info •
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
• FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
• DIRECTIONS •
~ sowing ~
Direct sow in early spring, planting just under the surface of the soil; place the seeds about 6 inches apart. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. When the seedlings can safely be handled, thin or transplant for wider spacing.
When to Sow Outside:
RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost.
When to Start Inside:
6 to 8 weeks before average last frost.
Days to Emerge: 5 – 10 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"–24"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"–24"
~ growing ~
Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants should only need water in dry weather, since they prefer slightly dry soil and tolerate drought well. Keep weeds controlled.
Deadheading is not necessary, though occasional pruning can be helpful to growth and appearance. This plant easily reseeds itself, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
~ harvesting ~
The blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.