Four O'clock Flower Violet

45 seeds

Four O'Clock Violet is a fragrant, bushy perennial (commonly grown as an annual) that produces vibrant violet-purple trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms usually open in the late afternoon or early evening and remain open through the night, attracting butterflies, bees, and moths. It is ideal for flower beds, borders, containers, and cottage gardens. In the Gulf region, it thrives during the cooler months and can continue flowering well into spring.

Best Planting Time

• October to February (recommended)
• In frost-free Gulf areas, it can also be grown nearly year-round if protected from extreme summer heat.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest months.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.5–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow directly into the garden or in seed trays.
• Plant seeds 1–2 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with soil.
• Keep the soil evenly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings when they develop 3–4 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 20–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–35°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Light afternoon shade is beneficial during warm spring weather.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
• After establishment, water when the top 3–4 cm of soil becomes dry.
• The plant is moderately drought tolerant once established.
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days

Plant Spacing

• 35–45 cm between plants.
• 45–60 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Begins approximately 60–80 days after sowing.
• Flowers open in the late afternoon and evening.
• Remove faded flowers to keep plants tidy, although continual blooming usually occurs without deadheading.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Apply a balanced flowering fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen to encourage more flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler season for the longest flowering period.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and powdery mildew.
• Four O'Clock Violet performs beautifully in flower beds, borders, containers, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens throughout the Gulf.