Yellow Marvel of Peru

Yellow Marvel of Peru: A Fragrant and Bright Night Bloomer

Yellow Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa), offered by OSC Seeds

The yellow Marvel of Peru, also known as “Four OClocks,” is a vigorous annual forming bushy plants up to 60 cm tall. Its light yellow and cream-striped flowers open late in the afternoon, earlier on cloudy days, releasing a delightful fragrance that attracts butterflies and nocturnal pollinators. Perfect for creating informal flowering hedges, this plant produces tubers that can be lifted and stored over winter for replanting in spring.

Spread: 45 to 60 cm
Plant height: 60 cm
Packet size: Approximately 30 seeds
Companion plants: Zinnias, cosmos, sweet alyssum
Incompatible plants: None known

How to Grow:

Soak the seeds for a few hours before sowing to speed up germination. Direct sow outdoors in late May or early June at a depth of 1 cm and at least 60 cm from other plants. Thin seedlings to 45 cm when they are 5 to 8 cm tall. For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost in a soilless mix. Maintain at 21C for germination in 7 to 10 days, then grow under lights at 15C before hardening off and transplanting to a sunny or lightly shaded location.

The yellow Marvel of Peru is an excellent choice to brighten summer evenings with its fragrant, vibrant flowers, adding elegance and utility to any garden.