Evening Primrose Flower Seeds (Oenothera biennis) 2000 Seeds
Vibrant yellow flowers adorn this biennial wildflower during the cool parts of the day, with fresh blooms showing up every evening.
Highly regarded for its herbal and medicinal properties, this wildflower is also quite easy to cultivate. It is often found in disturbed areas and is valued for its oil, which has medicinal uses. Pollinators: Attracts night-flying moths and bees, providing nectar. Wildlife: Serves as a food source for the larvae of the Primrose Moth.
Historians think that this popular flower originally hails from Mexico and Central America. It boasts a rich history of herbal and medicinal applications; the seeds are known to contain a valuable oil that is said to help with pain, inflammation, women's health issues, and skin conditions.
The genus name Oenothera has somewhat enigmatic roots. Many sources agree that it derives from the Greek term for "wine," as it was once widely believed that the plant's roots could counteract the effects of overindulging in wine.
Common Names: Night Willow-herb, Hoary Evening Primrose
Latin Name: Oenothera biennis
Species Origin: Native Wildflower from the US
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Biennial
USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 70,500
Stratification: No Stratification Needed
Germination Ease: No Stratification Required
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 60 Inches
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Late Summer, and Early Fall
Uses: Resistant to Deer
Sowing: In early spring, directly sow the seeds by lightly pressing them into the soil surface, as they require light for germination. Keep the soil slightly moist until the seeds sprout, which should happen in about 10-30 days. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, thin them out or transplant them for more space. If you want to get a head start, you can start the Oenothera Biennis seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost and then move them outside.
Growing: Make sure to water the seedlings until they’re well established. Once they mature, these plants can handle almost any soil type, but they might droop in very dry conditions. They don’t need much attention and grow easily; however, they can spread quickly and become invasive if not managed, as they reseed abundantly. To help control this, you can trim the plants back after they bloom. They also attract birds and are resistant to deer.
Harvesting: These short-lived flowers aren’t great for cutting and are best appreciated in their natural habitat.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, slender ridged pods will form; remember that these pods are food for small birds, so you might need to protect them to save the seeds. Eventually, the pods will turn brown, split open, and release their seeds. Collect the pods as soon as they start to brown, ensuring the seeds inside have ripened to a dark brown. Once the pods are dry, take out the common evening primrose seeds. Store the Oenothera Biennis seeds in a cool, dark area.
