Four O'Clock Seeds,
Marbles Mixed

Sow Marbles Mixed outdoors after your last frost has passed, right where you want the plants to bloom, since these are not frost hardy. For an earlier start, soak the seeds overnight in warm water and sow them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, then set plants out once frost danger is over. Allow about 84 days to maturity, with plants reaching a medium 18 to 36 inches.

• Seeds germinate in 7-10 days.
• Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date or direct seed after all chance of frost has passed.
• Soak seeds overnight in warm water before sowing.
• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
• Ideal germination temperature is 70-78 F.

• Mirabilis produces a large taproot, which makes it a drought-tolerant plant. However, it will bloom more profusely when given more water.
• Plants prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Mirabilis is considered a pest-free plant that is also deer resistant.
• The blooms are attractive to a wide range of beneficial insects as well!

• Mirabilis readily reseed in the garden, but you can save seeds for next year's planting as well.
• Perennial in frost-free zones, plants produce tubers similar to dahlias, which can be lifted and saved overwinter in the north.
• Flowers are perfect and self-pollinating but are cross-pollinated by insects. To save seed, simply pick the large, black seed pods from the spent flower heads and allow to dry out of direct sunlight for 7 days. Store in a cool, dry, dark location.