The Four O’Clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa) brightens late afternoons with trumpet-shaped blossoms and a scent that draws pollinators. This article features five seed products tied to the 9 o’clock plant idea, highlighting easy growing, bloom times, and pollinator benefits. Read on to compare options ranging from butterfly-friendly annuals to bulk wildflower mixes that suit a variety of climates and spaces.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sow Right Seeds – Four O’Clock Formula Mix | Sow Right Seeds | Vibrant mix of red, pink, rose, white, and yellow blooms; early germination |
| Seed Needs – White Four O Clock Seeds | Seed Needs | Delicate white Four O’Clock, fragrant late-day blooms |
| Eden Brothers Dry Area Wildflower Mix | Eden Brothers | Pollinator-friendly mix with multiple species for sunny gardens |
| Eden Brothers Dry Area Wildflower Mix (25 lb) | Eden Brothers | Very large area coverage with diverse blooms for pollinators |
| Eden Brothers Dry Area Wildflower Mix (25 lb) – Alternate Listing | Eden Brothers | Same concept, different listing; broad zone suitability |
Sow Right Seeds – Four O’Clock Formula Mix
The Four O’Clock Formula Mix from Sow Right Seeds features a full-color seed packet of Mirabilis jalapa varieties. The mix includes red, pink, rose, white, and yellow blooms that typically open in late afternoon. These flowers are known for their pollinator appeal and are suited for sunny garden beds or containers. Each packet contains a minimum of 8 grams, typically about 80 seeds, and notes on planting depth and spacing to optimize germination and growth in warm soils.
Seed Needs – White Four O Clock Seeds
Seed Needs offers White Four O’Clock Seeds described as tender perennial in warmer climates and easy to grow as annuals in many zones. Blooming occurs in late spring through the first frost, with late-afternoon blooms that emit a light fragrance. The variety is noted for its late-day beauty and suitability for zones 9–11 as annuals or as perennials in warmer climates, helping gardeners attract pollinators during evening hours.
Eden Brothers Dry Area Wildflower Mix – 5 lb
This 5 lb wildflower mix from Eden Brothers contains 18 easy-to-grow species including Cosmos and African Daisy. It is designed to attract pollinators across a broad spectrum of beneficial insects. The seeds are non-GMO, with no fillers, and are suitable for zones 3–10. It’s a suitable option for large sunny spaces, producing ongoing color from spring through fall while supporting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Eden Brothers Dry Area Wildflower Mix (25 lb) – 12,000,000+ Seeds
This 25 lb bulk mix from Eden Brothers expands pollinator-friendly options for larger gardens. The blend includes Cosmos, African Daisy, Blue Flax, and more, offering 12,000,000+ seeds for extensive coverage. Like the smaller version, it is non-GMO and zone-flexible (3–10). It’s ideal for large sunny borders, meadows, or habitat plantings that aim to sustain a long season of blooms and pollinator visits.
Eden Brothers Dry Area Wildflower Mix (25 lb) – Alternate Listing
This listing mirrors the large-volume wildflower mix, emphasizing broad zone compatibility and high seed counts. It remains a non-GMO option designed to attract pollinators across a wide geographic area. Gardeners with expansive sunny spaces can expect a multicolor display that supports bees, butterflies, and birds over multiple seasons.
Buying Guide
When choosing seeds for a 9 o’clock plant garden, consider bloom timing, climate suitability, and pollinator impact. Four O’Clock varieties are known for evening-to-late-day blossoms, which appeal to moths and certain butterflies in addition to bees. Bulk wildflower mixes provide landscape versatility and habitat benefits, but match the mix to your USDA hardiness zone and sun exposure.
- Bloom Time and Light: Four O’Clock plants thrive in full sun with warm soil. Prepare beds with well-draining soil and keep seeds evenly spaced to support robust growth.
- Germination and Growth: Some mixes specify germination within 7–14 days under optimal warmth. Scarify or pre-soak seeds if recommended by the supplier to improve germination rates.
- Pollinator Value: Choose mixes labeled for pollinator attraction to encourage bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Wide color variety can create a long season of bloom.
- Soil and Water: While hardy, many wildflower blends prefer moderate moisture and full sun. Mulching can help retain soil moisture in hot climates.
- Scale and Space: For large yards, bulk 25 lb mixes provide extensive coverage, while smaller packets are ideal for container plantings and patio borders.
In summary, the featured products vary from targeted Four O’Clock seed packets to broad wildflower mixes. For a gardener aiming to support pollinators while enjoying late-day color, these options offer flexible planting scales and climate adaptability. Always verify zone recommendations and planting instructions on the product page to maximize success in your garden.