Mirabilis jalapa

Germination

Sow indoors Feb-May. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Do not cover seed, light is needed for germination. Keep moist. Place in a propagator. Ideal temp. 18-20°C. Germination takes 1-3 weeks approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. prefers a sheltered situation away from cold winds. Will not tolerate frost. Best grown as an annual. If you wish to overwinter offer a dry mulch to protect from winter wet. Can be container planted and placed outside in summer but moved under glass over winter.

Cultivation

Easiest to treat as an annual. If preferred tubers can be lifted and stored in a frost-free situation over winter. If you wish to do this cut back prior to lifting tubers.