Mirabilis jalapa Organic Seeds, White Four O'Clock Flowers for Ornamental Gardens

Organic White Four O'Clock (Mirabilis jalapa), commonly known as White Marvel of Peru, is an attractive ornamental flowering plant belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. This white-flowering selection is recognized for its elegant trumpet-shaped blossoms, lush green foliage, bushy branching habit, and distinctive tendency to open its flowers during the late afternoon or early evening.

White Four O'Clock is suitable for ornamental flower gardens, cottage-style borders, white-themed landscapes, moon gardens, patio planting areas, and outdoor containers. Its white flowers provide a soft contrast against green foliage and contribute seasonal interest to outdoor spaces.

Mirabilis jalapa is native to a region extending from Mexico to Nicaragua. Although widely known as Marvel of Peru, its accepted native distribution is Mexico to Central America, according to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The species has been introduced into many other regions through ornamental cultivation.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of White Four O'Clock is its unusual flowering schedule. Its blossoms commonly begin opening during the late afternoon, often remaining open into the evening or part of the night. Cloudy weather may also encourage flowers to open earlier.

The flowers have a narrow tubular base and a broadly flared opening. Their white coloration creates a delicate ornamental appearance, particularly when displayed among green foliage or alongside other pale-colored flowers.

White Four O'Clock flowers may produce a pleasant fragrance during the evening. This characteristic makes them an interesting addition to gardens enjoyed near sunset, including patio borders and evening flower displays.

The plant develops broad green leaves that are generally ovate to somewhat heart-shaped, with pointed tips and smooth margins. These leaves occur in opposite pairs along branching stems, creating a lush, rounded plant structure.

White Four O'Clock develops an upright, bushy growth habit with numerous leafy stems. Mature specimens commonly reach approximately 45–120 cm (18–48 inches) in height, depending on soil conditions, temperature, plant genetics, and available sunlight.

Mirabilis jalapa is a tender perennial in suitable warm climates. In regions experiencing freezing winter temperatures, it is commonly cultivated as an annual flowering plant.

As plants mature, they develop thickened underground storage roots. These tuberous structures can support new growth during subsequent growing seasons where winter temperatures remain sufficiently mild.

Following flowering, White Four O'Clock produces dark, ribbed seed-bearing fruits. These structures generally become black or very dark brown when mature and may fall naturally into the surrounding soil.

Under favorable conditions, fallen seeds may germinate and establish new plants. Removing mature fruits helps manage unwanted self-seeding within ornamental garden beds.

White Four O'Clock generally grows well in full sun, although partial shade is tolerated. The plant prefers reasonably fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture during establishment. Mature plants can tolerate occasional dry conditions.

North Carolina State University Extension describes Mirabilis jalapa as a branching perennial that can also be grown as an annual, with a preference for full sun and a tolerance of partial shade. It also identifies overnight seed soaking as an optional method for encouraging germination.

This product contains 7 organic White Four O'Clock seeds per packet, as indicated in the original product information, and is intended for ornamental flower garden cultivation.

• Organic Flower Seeds: White Four O'Clock seeds identified as organic in the supplied product information.

• Botanical Name: Mirabilis jalapa, a flowering species belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family.

• White Flower Selection: Intended to produce elegant white Four O'Clock blossoms.

• Seed Quantity: Contains 7 seeds per packet.

• Common Names: White Four O'Clock and White Marvel of Peru.

• White Trumpet-Shaped Flowers: Produces tubular blossoms with broad, flared openings.

• Late-Afternoon Flowering: Flowers typically open during the late afternoon or early evening.

• Evening Fragrance: Blossoms may release a pleasant fragrance during evening hours.

• Bushy Growth Habit: Develops multiple leafy stems and numerous flowering branches.

• Opposite Green Leaves: Produces broad, pointed leaves arranged in pairs.

• Tender Perennial Lifecycle: Established plants may regrow in sufficiently warm climates.

• Annual Garden Cultivation: Suitable for seasonal growing in frost-prone regions.

• Tuberous Underground Roots: Mature plants develop thickened storage roots.

• Full Sun Preference: Generally grows best in bright outdoor locations.

• Partial Shade Tolerance: Can grow in areas receiving some shade during the day.

• Evening Pollinator Interest: Flowers may attract moths and other flower-visiting animals.

• White-Themed Garden Appeal: Suitable for moon gardens, white flower borders, and evening displays.

• Distinctive Dark Fruits: Develops black, ribbed seed-bearing structures following flowering.

Foliage and Appearance

White Four O'Clock develops attractive green foliage consisting of broad, simple leaves.

The leaves are generally ovate to heart-shaped, with pointed tips and smooth margins.

They occur in opposite pairs along the stems.

Young seedlings initially produce small green leaves before developing a fuller branching structure.

As the growing season progresses, additional foliage develops along numerous stems.

The leaves generally have smooth surfaces with visible veins.

Their broad green appearance provides an attractive contrast against the white trumpet-shaped blossoms.

Stem and Branch Characteristics

Mirabilis jalapa develops upright, branching herbaceous stems.

The stems are generally green, although reddish or purplish coloration may occur.

As plants mature, additional branches develop, creating a rounded or spreading appearance.

The stems support opposite leaf pairs and clusters of developing flower buds.

Under favorable growing conditions, mature specimens may produce numerous flowering shoots.

In sufficiently warm climates, established underground roots can support new above-ground growth during successive seasons.

Flower Characteristics

White Four O'Clock produces elegant white, trumpet-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers.

Each blossom has a narrow tubular base and a broad, flared opening.

The white portion of the flower consists of a petal-like perianth rather than separate conventional petals.

The selected white-flowering form is intended to produce white blossoms, although natural variation may occur among seed-grown plants.

Individual flowers commonly measure approximately 2.5–3.5 cm across, depending on genetic and environmental conditions.

Flower buds develop near the ends of branches.

The blossoms typically open during late afternoon or early evening.

Cloudy weather may encourage flowers to open earlier in the day.

Flowers may remain open during nighttime hours before closing or declining.

The exact opening time varies according to daylight, temperature, and other environmental conditions.

The name Four O'Clock describes the plant's typical flowering behavior rather than a guaranteed opening time.

Botanical descriptions published through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, identify white as one of the recognized flower colors of Mirabilis jalapa.

Seed and Fruit Characteristics

Following flowering, White Four O'Clock develops distinctive dark seed-bearing fruits.

These structures are generally rounded or oval.

Mature fruits commonly appear black or very dark brown.

Their surfaces are prominently ribbed and may appear slightly rough or wrinkled.

Botanically, these structures are called anthocarps.

Each mature anthocarp encloses a seed within persistent floral tissue.

Mature fruits may detach naturally and fall into nearby garden soil.

Under suitable conditions, fallen seeds may germinate and produce new plants.

Removing mature fruits can help limit unwanted self-seeding.

Root Characteristics

White Four O'Clock develops thickened underground storage roots.

These tuberous structures become more developed as plants mature.

The roots store resources that can support future seasonal growth.

In warm climates with sufficiently mild winters, established plants may survive beyond a single growing season.

New shoots can develop from established underground structures when favorable growing conditions return.

In frost-prone regions, severe freezing temperatures may damage the roots.

Gardeners may lift and protect mature storage roots during winter if overwintering is desired.

The underground roots are not edible garden tubers and should not be consumed.

Growth Habit

White Four O'Clock is a bushy, branching ornamental flowering plant.

Mature plants commonly reach approximately 45–120 cm (18–48 inches) in height.

Their spread generally ranges from approximately 30–60 cm (12–24 inches), although vigorous specimens may become wider.

Multiple leafy stems create a rounded appearance.

The white flowers provide an attractive contrast against the green foliage.

Its growth habit makes it suitable for white-themed garden borders, decorative planting beds, and spacious outdoor containers.

Seasonal Development

White Four O'Clock seeds germinate when suitable warmth and soil moisture are available.

Young seedlings develop green leaves and gradually establish roots.

As growth progresses, additional stems and branches develop.

Flower buds form near the ends of mature shoots.

White flowers open during late afternoon or evening.

Following flowering, dark ribbed seed-bearing fruits develop and mature.

In favorable warm climates, plants may continue flowering during an extended growing season.

Established underground roots may support new growth during successive seasons.

In frost-prone climates, Four O'Clock is commonly cultivated as an annual.

Pollinator and Botanical Interest

White Four O'Clock flowers may attract moths and other visiting pollinators.

Their late-day opening habit makes the plant particularly interesting for observing flower-visiting activity during evening hours.

North Carolina State University Extension identifies moths and hummingbirds among the animals attracted to Mirabilis jalapa flowers.

The species also provides botanical interest through its tubular flowers, opposite leaf arrangement, thickened roots, and dark ribbed fruits.

Sunlight Requirements

White Four O'Clock generally performs best in full sun.

Choose an outdoor location receiving approximately six or more hours of direct sunlight daily.

Partial shade is tolerated, particularly in hotter regions.

Adequate sunlight supports healthy branching and flowering.

Deep shade may reduce flower production.

Soil Requirements

Mirabilis jalapa grows in a variety of garden soils.

Loamy and sandy soils with suitable drainage are appropriate.

The plant generally prefers reasonably fertile soil with moderate moisture retention.

Well-decomposed organic material may be incorporated to improve soil structure where necessary.

Avoid severely compacted growing areas that restrict root development.

For container cultivation, select a well-draining potting mixture.

Watering Considerations

Maintain gentle, consistent moisture during seed germination.

Young plants benefit from regular watering while establishing roots.

Mature Four O'Clock plants have some tolerance for occasional dry conditions.

Moderate watering supports foliage growth and seasonal flowering.

Additional watering may be necessary during prolonged hot or dry weather.

Avoid continuously saturated soil.

Temperature and Climate

White Four O'Clock is a warm-season flowering plant.

Seeds generally germinate more readily when growing conditions are warm.

The species can survive as a perennial in sufficiently mild climates.

In frost-prone regions, it is commonly grown as an annual.

Established underground storage roots may survive mild winters but can be damaged by severe frost.

Garden Placement

Choose a sunny ornamental flower border, white-themed garden, moon garden, cottage-style planting bed, patio garden, or spacious outdoor container.

Plant where its late-afternoon and evening blossoms can be appreciated.

Provide suitable room for branching growth.

Because Four O'Clock may self-seed, choose a managed planting location where unwanted volunteer seedlings can be removed.

1. Choose the Sowing Season: Sow during spring after the danger of frost has passed, or during a suitable warm growing season.

2. Select a Sunny Location: Choose full sun or light partial shade.

3. Prepare the Garden Soil: Loosen the upper soil layer and remove debris.

4. Improve Drainage: Ensure the planting area drains adequately.

5. Consider Indoor Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors before the outdoor planting season when appropriate.

6. Choose Suitable Containers: Select seed trays or small pots with drainage holes.

7. Prepare the Growing Medium: Use a clean, well-drained seed-starting mixture.

8. Moisten the Medium: Water lightly before sowing.

9. Inspect the Seeds: Four O'Clock seeds have relatively firm outer coverings.

10. Consider Overnight Soaking: Soak seeds in room-temperature water overnight to help soften their coverings.

11. Avoid Excessive Soaking: Do not leave seeds submerged for prolonged periods.

12. Sow at a Suitable Depth: Plant seeds approximately 1–1.5 cm (about ½ inch) deep.

13. Cover with Soil: Gently cover the seeds using fine growing medium.

14. Water Carefully: Moisten the soil without displacing the seeds.

15. Maintain Warm Conditions: Approximately 20–25°C (68–77°F) is a practical starting range for seed propagation.

16. Maintain Consistent Moisture: Keep the growing medium gently moist without prolonged saturation.

17. Monitor Germination: Seedlings may emerge in approximately 7–14 days under favorable conditions, although timing varies.

18. Provide Adequate Light: Place emerging seedlings in a bright growing location.

19. Observe True Leaf Development: Allow young seedlings to develop their first true leaves.

20. Thin Overcrowded Seedlings: Remove excess seedlings when necessary.

21. Support Root Establishment: Maintain moderate moisture while stronger roots develop.

22. Transplant into Individual Pots: Move established seedlings when additional growing space is required.

23. Acclimate Seedlings Outdoors: Gradually introduce indoor-grown plants to outdoor sunlight, wind, and temperature changes.

24. Prepare the Final Garden Bed: Choose reasonably fertile, well-drained soil.

25. Allow Suitable Spacing: Position plants approximately 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) apart.

26. Transplant Carefully: Place seedlings at approximately the same depth as they grew in their containers.

27. Water After Planting: Provide moderate watering to support establishment.

28. Monitor Branching Growth: Observe the development of green foliage and flowering shoots.

29. Observe White Flowering: Look for white trumpet-shaped blossoms opening during late afternoon and evening.

30. Manage Seed Formation: Remove mature fruits where unwanted self-seeding is a concern.

31. Maintain Seasonal Plants: Established tuberous roots may support perennial regrowth in suitable warm climates.

Seed propagation note: White Four O'Clock seeds have relatively firm outer coverings. Overnight soaking can help soften the coverings and may encourage faster germination. North Carolina State University Extension recommends overnight soaking as an optional propagation technique. Germination results depend on seed quality and environmental conditions.

White Flower Gardens

White Four O'Clock produces elegant blossoms that complement ornamental gardens designed around pale and neutral flower colors.

Moon Gardens

Its white, late-opening flowers make it particularly suitable for evening flower displays.

Cottage-Style Flower Borders

The bushy foliage and white trumpet-shaped blossoms complement informal cottage garden arrangements.

Evening Flower Gardens

Its late-afternoon flowering habit makes it attractive for gardens enjoyed later in the day.

Patio Flower Displays

White Four O'Clock can be cultivated in spacious outdoor containers near seating areas.

Outdoor Container Gardens

Large pots with suitable drainage can accommodate the plant's branching growth and developing root system.

Pollinator Observation Gardens

The evening-opening flowers may attract moths and other visiting animals.

Botanical Education Gardens

The species provides opportunities to observe flower-opening behavior, opposite leaves, tuberous roots, and seed development.

Warm-Climate Perennial Gardens

In suitable frost-free regions, established plants may return during successive growing seasons.

Decorative Ornamental Borders

White Four O'Clock can be grown along defined garden edges and within managed mixed planting beds.

• Choose a sunny or partially shaded planting location.

• Provide reasonably fertile, well-drained soil.

• Maintain consistent moisture during seed germination.

• Consider overnight seed soaking before sowing.

• Avoid excessively deep seed placement.

• Keep young seedlings in warm growing conditions.

• Provide adequate sunlight for healthy flowering.

• Thin overcrowded seedlings when necessary.

• Allow suitable spacing between mature plants.

• Water regularly during establishment.

• Maintain moderate moisture during extended dry periods.

• Avoid continuously saturated soil.

• Monitor developing white flower buds and blossoms.

• Remove damaged or declining stems when needed.

• Remove mature fruits to limit unwanted self-seeding.

• Monitor nearby soil for volunteer seedlings.

• Protect established plants from freezing temperatures where practical.

• Consider protected winter storage for mature tuberous roots in frost-prone regions.

• Wear gloves when handling roots or other plant material.

• Keep seeds and roots away from children and pets.

• Avoid consuming planting seeds, roots, or other plant parts.

• Review local guidance before introducing the species into unmanaged natural habitats.

White Four O'Clock (Mirabilis jalapa) is an ornamental flowering selection recognized for its white trumpet-shaped blossoms, late-afternoon flowering habit, green foliage, and bushy growth. It is suitable for white-themed ornamental gardens, evening flower displays, cottage-style borders, and spacious containers.

Botanical identification: Mirabilis jalapa is an accepted flowering species belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, confirms its accepted status and recognizes white as one of its natural flower color forms.

Common names: White Four O'Clock is a white-flowering selection of the species commonly known as Marvel of Peru or Four-O'Clock Flower.

Native distribution: The accepted native range of Mirabilis jalapa extends from Mexico to Nicaragua. The species has been introduced and cultivated across many other regions.

White flower characteristics: This seed packet is identified as a white-flowering selection. The flowers generally have narrow tubular bases and broad, flared white openings. Natural variation is possible among seed-grown plants.

Flower opening behavior: The flowers commonly open during late afternoon or early evening. Cloudy weather may encourage earlier opening. Their opening time is not guaranteed to occur precisely at 4:00 PM.

Flower structure: Four O'Clock flowers consist of a tubular, petal-like perianth rather than separate conventional petals. The white form provides a soft ornamental contrast against green foliage.

Evening fragrance: Four O'Clock flowers are often fragrant during the late afternoon and evening. Fragrance intensity varies according to growing conditions and plant genetics.

Perennial growth characteristics: The species is a tender perennial with thickened underground storage roots. In sufficiently warm climates, these roots can support regrowth during successive growing seasons.

Annual cultivation: In regions with freezing winters, White Four O'Clock is commonly cultivated as an annual. Established roots may be lifted and stored in protected conditions before severe frost.

Seed germination: The seeds have relatively firm outer coverings. Overnight soaking may help soften these coverings and encourage germination. North Carolina State University Extension recommends soaking the seeds in water overnight to speed germination. 

Sunlight requirements: White Four O'Clock generally performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Adequate sunlight supports healthy flowering and branching.

Soil and moisture requirements: The plant grows in various garden soils but generally prefers reasonably fertile, well-drained conditions. Regular watering supports seedling development, while established plants tolerate some dry conditions.

Mature plant size: North Carolina State University Extension identifies a typical height of approximately 18 inches to 4 feet and a width of approximately 12–24 inches. Actual dimensions vary with growing conditions.

Tuberous root development: Mature plants develop thick underground storage roots. In suitable warm climates, these structures can support seasonal regrowth.

Moon garden suitability: White Four O'Clock is particularly attractive in moon gardens because its light-colored blossoms open during late afternoon and evening.

Pollinator observation: The flowers may attract moths and other flower-visiting animals. Their flowering schedule provides opportunities to observe late-day pollination activity.

Self-seeding and garden management: Mature plants may produce numerous dark ribbed fruits. These can fall into surrounding soil and produce volunteer seedlings. Remove mature fruits and unwanted seedlings when necessary.

Plant toxicity and handling precautions: North Carolina State University Extension identifies Four O'Clock as having low-severity poisonous characteristics. Seeds and roots may cause adverse effects if ingested, while handling roots may irritate sensitive skin. Keep seeds and roots away from children and pets, and wear gloves when handling mature plant material.

Regional planting considerations: Four O'Clock has naturalized outside its original native distribution. Gardeners should review local planting guidance and avoid allowing the species to establish in unmanaged natural habitats where it could become problematic.

Seed packet quantity: The original product information specifies 7 seeds per packet. Germination and the number of mature plants depend on seed viability, temperature, moisture, and cultivation practices.

Organic designation: The seeds are described as organic in the supplied product information. Specific organic certification documentation has not been independently verified.

Intended use: These seeds are intended for ornamental garden planting and botanical cultivation. Seeds, roots, and other plant parts are not intended for direct consumption. No medicinal, therapeutic, dietary supplement, or pest-control claims are made.

Natural variation: Mature height, flower shape, flowering time, branching habit, fragrance, fruit production, and perennial survival may vary according to genetics, climate, sunlight, soil conditions, and moisture.

This listing describes the white-flowering selection of Mirabilis jalapa for ornamental gardens, moon gardens, white-themed borders, evening flower displays, and outdoor container cultivation, with attention to self-seeding and plant safety.