When To Plant 4 Oclock Seeds

If you’re wondering when to plant 4 oclock seeds, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the timing right is the single most important step for a garden full of these colorful, fragrant blooms. This guide will give you the clear, simple advice you need to sow your seeds at the perfect moment for your area.

Four o’clocks are wonderfully easy to grow from seed. They get their charming name from their habit of opening their trumpet-shaped flowers in the late afternoon. These plants are perennials in warm climates but are often grown as annuals in places with cold winters. With a little know-how, you can enjoy their cheerful display and sweet scent all summer long.

This is the core question. The best time for sowing depends entirely on your local climate and how you choose to grow them. There are two main methods: starting seeds indoors or sowing them directly in your garden. Each has its ideal timing.

Understanding Your Growing Zone

First, know your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. This number tells you the average coldest winter temperature in your region. Four o’clocks thrive in zones 7-11 as perennials. In zones 6 and colder, they are grown as annuals or you can dig up the tubers in fall. Your zone dictates your planting schedule.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Beginning seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season. This is especially useful in regions with short summers.

When: Start your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date.
Why: This allows the seedlings to become strong enough to transplant outside once the weather is reliably warm.
How to Find Your Frost Date: Search online for “last frost date” followed by your town or zip code. Local gardening groups are also a great resource for this info.

Direct Sowing in the Garden

This is the easiest method. You simply plant the seeds right where you want the plants to grow.

When: Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This is typically 1-2 weeks after your last frost date.
Soil Temperature Clue: The soil should feel warm to the touch. If it’s still cold and muddy, wait a bit longer.
Why Wait? Four o’clock seeds need warm soil to germinate well. Planting them in cold, wet soil can cause them to rot before they ever sprout.

Regional Timing Examples

Here’s a rough guide based on common U.S. regions:

Southern States (Zones 8-10): You can direct sow as early as mid to late March or April. Fall planting is also an option for blooms the following spring.
Midwest & Northeast (Zones 5-7): Aim for direct sowing from mid-May through early June. Start indoors in late March or April.
Pacific Northwest (Zones 7-8): Direct sow from late April to May, depending on local spring rains and temperatures.

How to Plant Your Four O’Clock Seeds

Now that you know when, let’s talk about how. The process is straightforward.

Step-by-Step Seed Starting (Indoors)

Prepare Containers: Use cell packs or small pots with drainage holes. Fill them with a moist, seed-starting mix.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Some gardeners soak the seeds overnight before planting to soften the hard coat, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Provide Warmth and Light: Place the containers in a warm spot (70-75°F is ideal). Once they sprout, move them under bright light, like a sunny window or grow lights.
Water Carefully: Keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy. A spray bottle works well for this.
Transplant: When seedlings have a few sets of true leaves and outdoor temps are warm, acclimate them to outside conditions over a week before planting them in the garden.

Step-by-Step Direct Sowing

Choose the Site: Pick a spot with full sun to partial afternoon shade. Four o’clocks are not picky about soil but prefer it to be well-draining.
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil about 6-8 inches deep. You can mix in a little compost if you have it, but they’ll do fine without.
Plant the Seeds: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Space them about 12 inches apart, as the plants can get quite bushy.
Water Gently: Water the area well after planting and keep it moist until you see seedlings emerge, usually in 7-14 days.
Thin if Needed: If to many seedlings come up in one spot, thin them to the strongest plant every 12 inches.

Essential Care Tips After Planting

Your job isn’t quite done after sowing. A little care leads to a lot of flowers.

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Established plants are surprisingly drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing: These aren’t heavy feeders. A light application of a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the summer is plenty. To much can lead to more leaves than flowers.
Mulching: A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds down.
Pests and Diseases: Four o’clocks are generally pest-resistant. They can sometimes attract aphids or spider mites; a strong spray of water usually takes care of them.

Collecting Seeds for Next Year

One of the joys of four o’clocks is how easily they self-seed. You can also collect seeds to plant next year or share with friends.

Late in the season, you’ll see wrinkled, black seed pods form where flowers faded.
Wait for the pod to turn dry and brown before picking it.
Open the pod to find the single, large, black seed inside. Let it dry completely for a week.
Store the dried seeds in a paper envelope in a cool, dry place. They’ll be ready for you to sow next spring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy plants can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for.

Planting Too Early: The most common error. Cold soil equals poor germination. Patience is key.
Overwatering: Soggy soil is the enemy, especially for seeds and new seedlings.
Crowding Plants: They need space for air circulation. Good spacing prevents fungal issues.
Forgetting They Spread: Four o’clocks can reseed vigorously. Choose a spot where you won’t mind them returning, or be prepared to pull up unwanted seedlings.

FAQ Section

Can I plant 4 o’clock seeds in the fall?

In warmer climates (zones 8+), yes. Fall planting allows seeds to establish roots for a strong start in spring. In colder zones, fall-sown seeds will likely not survive the winter.

What is the best month to plant four o’clock seeds?

This varies. For most of the US, May and June are ideal for direct sowing. For indoor starting, March or April are common. In the deep South, April or even late March works.

Do 4 o’clocks come back every year?

In zones 7-11, the plants will often return from their tuberous roots. In colder zones, they act like annuals but often drop seeds that sprout the next year, giving the appearance of returning.

How long does it take for four o’clock seeds to germinate?

In warm, moist soil, you can expect to see sprouts in 7 to 14 days. Cooler soil will slow this process down considerably.

Do four o’clocks need full sun?

They perform best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates. In to much shade, they may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Can I just scatter the seeds?

You can, but for best results, lightly cover them with 1/4 inch of soil. This protects them from birds and ensures better soil contact for moisture. You’ll still need to thin the seedlings later.

Figuring out when to plant 4 oclock seeds is the first step to a successful and low-maintenance garden show. By aligning your sowing with the warmth of late spring, you set these resilient flowers up for a season of reliable, evening beauty. Remember to save some seeds from your best plants, and you’ll have this charming garden tradition to look forward to year after year.