Guide to growing Evening Primrose - Oenothera
The Oenothera genus contains many species of plants that can range in height from 15cm to 90cm.
They can be annuals, biennials or perennial in nature but are normally treated as an annual by gardeners.
They bloom for a short period in spring or summer (species dependent) with cup shaped flowers; these can be pink, white or yellow.
Some of the common names for Oenothera include Evening Primrose, Sundrops, and Desert Evening Primrose.
How to grow Evening Primrose
The seeds of Evening primrose can be sown outdoors just before the last frost of spring or in autumn in warm areas. Once sown lightly cover the evening primrose seeds. Oenothera species are able to grow in either partially shaded or sunny parts of the garden. They are partial to a light soil that is a little sandy and slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 7).
Evening primrose can be grown indoors first. They should be germinated in the dark at 18 to 20 degrees centigrade about ten weeks in advance. Evening Primrose should take around one to four weeks to germinate. Once ready transplant into the garden following the last frost. Oenothera should be spaced at 15cm (small) to 50cm (large) apart.
Caring for evening primrose
Once growing it is fairly easy to take care of evening primrose and other Oenothera genus plants. They should be watered during dry months, and pruned back following flowering to prevent them from producing seeds; as they can take over the garden. It is best to supply Oenothera with manure in the spring. If you require more plants then they can be propagated by taking cutting in the spring