PLANTS SHIP MID-MAY+ (except fruit trees), SEEDS SHIP ANYTIME, CANADA ONLY. LOCAL PICKUP AVAILABLE (incl. fruit trees, Ottawa) FOUR O’CLOCK MARVEL OF PERU FLOWER | id:23626 | Mirabilis jalapa | Ecologically grown | Annual | Open Pollinated | Heirloom Four o’clock flowers open in the late afternoon, hence the name. Funnel-shaped 2” long blooms with 5 petals. This variety has a mixed colour of red, pink, yellow, or white blossoms and then intermix of those colours that shine gloriously with evening sky or moonlit evening. The colour pigmentation is hard to understand for these, as sometimes the colour changes from one generation to other. It could possibly be ‘jumping gene’ phenomena on plant pigmentation similar to found in indigenous maize where jumping genes (or transposons) move within the DNA of plants, changing the genetic expression of tissues as they form and grow. Planting tip: Seed scarification is required. Sow seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting outside.|| Harvesting tip: Collect seeds (black, round) as they drop from spent flowers. In cold climates, dig tubers after first frost, brush off soil, and let them dry for a few days. Storage tip: Store tubers in peat moss or vermiculite in a cool, dry place at 4-10°C over winter. Replant in spring after last frost.
Seed depth:1/4″, Plant spacing:12″, Row spacing:18″, Sun Level:2, Watering Level:3, Germination:10-14 d/j, 18°C Optimally:18°C, Maturity:70 days/jrs, Height:24-36″, Width: 1-2′, Edible flower, Attracts pollinators (See Envelope below) Gaia Organics, 399 River Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1V 1C9 (near Gatineau, Quebec) 613-219-8463 (see the envelope below)
