Growing Showy Evening Primrose Oenothera Garden Seeds

Showy Evening Primrose oenothera is easy to grow from seed and recommended for direct sowing outdoors after the frost. Oenothera has a vigorous full sun wildflower habit and there is little need to start indoors but, for earliest blooms, begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior. If potting indoors, be sure to place Showy Evening Primrose in a warm window spot with full sun. Lightly press without covering 2-3 Showy Evening Primrose seeds into average, medium dry, and well-drained soil in full sun. Showy Evening Primrose oenothera seeds are one of the most tolerant blooms available to home gardeners. Oenothera thrives in high heat and long summers and will show signs of wilt if exposed to frost or cold nights. Showy Evening Primrose is such a vigorous performer that it is considered an aggressive and invasive species in the midwest. Oenothera has no serious pests or diseases. Showy Evening Primrose oenothera seeds mature in 91-98 days as 18-24 inch tall shrubby uprights with a 12-16 inch spread bursting with delicate 2-3 inch tricolored blooms of pink, lavender, and ivory with soft yellow centers.

Oenothera speciosa is a species of Evening Primrose and is native to rocky prairies, open woodlands, and meadows of the lower 28 of the 48 contiguous United States. The greens of the oenothera are commonly cooked or used as a salad in fine dining, but greens must be harvested before flowering or else plant will be too bitter to enjoy.