Depending on where you live, this can be between early April and mid May. Since four o’clock flowers grow quickly, there is no need to start them early indoors. It is recommended that you wait until the weather warms up so that you can sow them directly outdoors.
The shells of these seeds are very thick, so they might not germinate well if they are not thoroughly soaked. When ready, the seeds should be somewhat swollen but still firm. Note that if you are planting the seeds during a rainy season, when the soil is thoroughly drenched, you may omit this step and plant the dry seeds directly in the soil.
For optimal growth, choose a spot that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight on a regular daily basis. Too much shade can cause the plants to grow lanky and may hinder flower production.
You should not need to amend the soil. Even though these flowers thrive in rich, well-draining soil, they generally do well in all soil conditions, even when the soil is of fairly poor quality.
Make sure that a loose layer of soil covers the seed to protect it from weather and wildlife, especially birds. This soil should be no greater than 1/2 inch (1. 25 cm) deep.
You will eventually need to thin out your seedlings so that the plants are 2 feet (0. 61 m) apart. For that reason, you may also opt to sow the seeds 2 feet (0. 61 m) apart, saving yourself the extra effort later on.
Note that the seeds will usually sprout within 7 to 14 days, depending on how warm the temperatures are. Warmer temperatures tend to mean quicker germination. It is crucial that the soil remain moderately moist while the seeds germinate. Never flood the soil, however, since doing so can wash the seeds away.
Since the shells of these seeds are so thick, they germinate much better when they are softened with plenty of water. The seeds should still be firm after you soak them, but they will feel a little softer and appear more swollen.
Ideally, the container should have four or five drainage holes. If you are keeping the container indoors, set it on top of a saucer to prevent excess water from creating a mess as it drains.
Any all-purpose, standard commercial potting mix should suffice. These flowers do not require special soil.
Allow any excess water to drain before you sow the seeds. You will need to make sure that the soil is moderately moist throughout the germination process. This stage will usually take one or two weeks.
Four seeds should fit into a 1-gallon (4-L) container comfortably. If you are using a 5-gallon (20-L) container, you can sow a dozen or so seeds without crowding them out too much.
If the weather is warm enough, you can place the container outdoors on a porch, balcony, or patio. If the plants do not receive enough sunlight, they might look lengthy. Bloom production might also suffer.
If you are growing the plants in containers or otherwise want the plants to remain short and stunted, it is possible to leave only 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) between each seedling. Wait until the stems of the seedlings have already developed two sets of leaves before thinning them out. Keep the healthiest, strongest looking plants and remove the weakest.
Try to give the plants at least 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of water weekly, either by rainfall or hand watering with a hose or watering can. Note that flowers grown in a container will require more regular waterings than those grown outdoors.
Choose a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, which contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This type of fertilizer will promote an overall even state of health for the plant.
If problems do develop, treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. The product can either be organic or chemical.
Store the tubers in between layers of newspaper in cardboard boxes or wooden crates. You can also store the tubers in peat moss or sand. Do not use plastic containers or other closed boxes, since these can encourage the tubers to rot. Place the tubers in a garage, shed, or similar environment. They should remain dry and dark throughout the winter. [6] X Research source Replant the tubers in the spring. Dig a hole large enough for the tuber in the same location it once grew. Place the tuber back in the ground, cover with soil, and care for the plant as before.
Organic mulch can include leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, and newspaper. The mulch provides insulation and keeps the soil a little warmer. Note that in notably cold climates, mulch may not be enough to protect the tuber over the winter. If you are growing the plants in containers, it is also recommended that you spread mulch on top of the container during the spring or summer to help reduce the amount of water evaporation that takes place. This can help prevent the soil from drying out too severely.
After the flower drops, you should see black pea-sized seeds left in its place. Each four o’clock plant should produce a large quantity of seeds.
If the seeds are left alone once they drop, more four o’clock flower plants can grow in that spot. Another way to collect the seeds is to gently shake the seed-bearing stems, encouraging the seeds to break off and drop to the ground all at once.
The seeds can rot if they are stored while still moist, so this pre-drying step is very important. Dry the seeds indoors to prevent birds and other animals from taking them.
You can use paper bags, as well. Paper allows air to circulate. Do not use an airtight container, though, like a plastic container. Storing the seeds in this type of container can cause mildew to form or may encourage the seeds to rot.
