How to Plant Mirabilis Jalapa Bulbs

Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as four o'clocks, produce trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from white and yellow to red and soft shades of lavender. These hardy plants grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 and are grown as annuals cooler climates. Four o'clocks grow to 20 to 24 inches tall. They prefer loamy, evenly moist soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5 and full sun to partial shade.

Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Dig holes 2 to 3 inches deep for four o'clock bulbs in a prepared flower bed in a sunny or partially sunny location in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.
- 2
  Place the bulbs in the holes with the pointed ends facing upward. Cluster bulbs together at a rate of 10 bulbs per square foot for a natural appearance. If you are planting them in a row, space the bulbs 1 to 2 inches apart. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
- 3
  Cover the bulbs with 2 inches of soil and firm it down with your hands to secure the bulb and remove air pockets.
- 4
  Water the area thoroughly to moisten the soil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches. Keep the soil moist until sprouts appear. Reduce watering to once or twice a week or whenever the soil feels dry 1 inch below the surface of the soil.

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