Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Evening Primrose is a unique flowering plant with four yellow petals that bloom in the evening and wilt by morning, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths. Another interesting feature of this plant is that it is biennial, meaning that it completes its life cycle in two years. In its first year, it produces a rosette of leaves that stay close to the ground. In the second year, it grows a tall stem that can reach up to 6 feet in height. This interesting plant is most commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or in fields, meadows, and pollinator gardens to attract the nocturnal pollinating insects.
NAME: Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
VARIETY: Evening, Yellow
DAYS TO MATURITY: 120 – 150 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Biennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Average, well-draining soil with a pH 6.2– 7.0
SPACING: 16 – 24 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 48 – 72 inches
TEMP: 55 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
It is not recommended to start Evening Primrose seeds indoors. These plants are very delicate and do not like to be transplanted. Outdoor starting is the preferred method.
If you choose to start these seeds indoors, plant the seeds in biodegradable pots or seedling trays filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Place the pots or trays in a location that receives indirect sunlight or under grow lights.
Seeds should germinate within 14-21 days.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost date in your area, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
Evening Primrose seeds are best sown directly outdoors, as they establish quickly and easily.
Direct sow in early spring after all threat of frost has passed.
Press seeds lightly into the surface of the soil, since they need some light to germinate.
Keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur within 15 to 25 days.
When the seedlings emerge, thin them out so they are spaced roughly 6 inches apart and then thin out once more one month later so they are spaced 14 to 24 inches apart.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris.
Evening Primrose plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization is generally not necessary for Evening Primrose plants, as they prefer nutrient-poor soil.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Evening Primrose plants are relatively low maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases.
Evening Primrose flowers can be harvested when they are fully open and at their peak freshness.
Use scissors or pruners to cut the flowers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached.
Evening Primrose flowers can be enjoyed fresh in salads or used to garnish dishes. They can also be dried for use in herbal teas or potpourri.
To harvest for floral arrangements, select fully open or just opening flowers early in the morning or late afternoon, cut stems at an angle using sharp scissors, remove submerged leaves, place in room temperature water, and allow to rehydrate before arranging.
