How long does the four o'clock flower bloom? Detailed planting and care methods

Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa)is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, often grown as an annual. Its plants usually reach a height of about 1 m. Its stems are erect, much branched, with slightly swollen nodes. The leaves are opposite, with ovate or ovate-triangular blades, acuminate at the apex, truncate or cordate at the base, entire, hairless on both surfaces, with raised veins.

The flowers of the four o'clock flower are highly distinctive, usually clustered in several at the ends of the branches, with a trumpet-shaped form.The flower colors are rich and varied, including purplish red, yellow, white or variegated, and they look especially brilliant in the sunlight.Its flowers generally open in the afternoon and close from evening to early morning, giving off a faint fragrance; this unique flowering habit adds a touch of mystery to it.The fruit is black, spherical, wrinkled on the surface and shaped like a small landmine, so the four o'clock flower is also known by the nickname "landmine flower."

The four o'clock flower has a long flowering period, usually lasting from June all the way to October.Throughout the entire flowering period, it can bloom continuously, bringing us lasting visual enjoyment.In a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight, the quality and quantity of its blooms will be even more impressive.However, it should be noted that climate conditions in different regions will have a certain impact on the flowering period; for example, in the warmer regions of the south, the flowering period may be somewhat longer, while in the north, it may end early as temperatures drop.

Below, we introduce some methods for planting and caring for the four o'clock flower.

1. Soil selection: The four o'clock flower is not demanding about soil, but loose, fertile, well-drained soil is preferable. It can be prepared by mixing leaf mold, garden soil and river sand in a certain ratio; such soil can both ensure sufficient nutrients and prevent waterlogging that causes root rot.

2. Sowing time and method: The four o'clock flower is generally sown in spring from March to April. Sow the seeds in the prepared soil in individual spots and cover with a thin layer of soil about 2 to 3 times the diameter of the seeds. After sowing, keep the soil moist; at a suitable temperature (about 15 to 20°C), they will germinate in about a week.

3. Light requirements: The four o'clock flower likes plenty of sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. During the high temperatures of summer, appropriate shading can prevent leaf scorch. It can be planted in a sunny spot in the courtyard with some shade, or placed in a position with scattered light on a balcony.

4. Watering management: Keep the soil moist during the growing period. In spring and autumn, water once every 2 to 3 days depending on the weather. In summer, when temperatures are high and water evaporates quickly, water every day, and at the same time spray water around the plant to increase air humidity. In winter, the plant grows slowly, so reduce the frequency of watering and keep the soil slightly dry.

5. Fertilization key points: During the vigorous growth period, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once every 1 to 2 weeks; the liquid fertilizer can be decomposed cake fertilizer water or a compound fertilizer solution. During the flower bud differentiation stage, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, to promote flower bud differentiation and increase the number and color of the flowers.