African Marigold Crackerjack Flower. 125 Seeds
Experience a unique evening radiance from a patch of these bright golden flowers. The midday heat wilts the blooms of the day, but fresh flowers open up each evening. This wild common evening primrose is simple to cultivate. It features yellow flowers and grows between 2 to 5 feet, being a biennial to perennial plant. They thrive in full sunlight but can handle moderate to dry conditions in well-drained soil. These plants easily reseed themselves.
Common Names: Large-flower Evening Primrose, Redsepal Evening Primrose
Latin Name: Oenothera lamarckiana
Species Origin: Introduced US Wildflower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Biennial, Perennial
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: 65,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Plant Height: 24 - 48"
Plant Spacing: 12 - 15"
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Deer Resistant
Sowing: In early spring, directly sow the seeds by lightly pressing them into the soil surface, as Oenothera Lamarckiana seeds 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 Lamarckiana 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. Mature Oenothera Lamarckiana plants can handle almost any soil type, but they might droop in very dry conditions. This plant is low-maintenance and grows easily; however, it can spread quickly and become invasive if not kept in check, as it reseeds abundantly. To help manage this, you can cut back the common evening primrose (Oenothera Lamarckiana) plants after they bloom. This plant is also great for attracting birds and is resistant to deer.
Harvesting: These short-lived flowers aren’t great for cutting, so it’s best to enjoy them 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 are dark brown and ripe. Once the pods are dry, take out the seeds. Store the Oenothera Lamarckiana seeds in a cool, dark place.
