Evening Primrose - Common (Oenothera biennis) organically grown flower seeds. Floral Encounters.
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Item # Packet size Nett Weight Number Seeds(approx) Price Qty
Small 0.08 g 200 seeds $2.20
Medium 0.16 g 400 seeds $3.90
Large 0.40 g 1000 seeds $6.60

Please note: all seeds are sold by weight and seed count is approximate.

To keep seed prices low much of our seed is semi cleaned. More Info

A bright colorful native biennial that needs almost not care and will grow in poor soil in bright sunshine. Growing to as much as 7 feet in height and hardy to zone 3 it produces bright yellow flowers from an open bush like plant from early summer until fall. Ideal for sunny dry areas and very drought tolerant. Deer don't seem to eat it neither do the rabbits. Butterflies love the flowers.

Description
A Native biennial plant that can reach 7' in height. During the first year it produces a small rosette of leaves that are flat to the ground and can go unnoticed. In late spring the second year it sends up a tall stiff central stem which is usually much branched creating a open bush like appearance. The stems are light green or red and covered in stiff white hairs making them slightly prickly. The leaves are olive green and are spear shaped (lanceolate) with mostly smooth margins and are nearly hairless. The are most commonly 4" - 6' long and 1" wide but can reach 8" long and 2" wide. Leaves tend to reduce in size as the ascend the stems with bunches of smaller secondary leaves at the tops (apex) of the stalks. The flowers are produces along most of the upper portion of the stem blooming towards the top. They are bright yellow, about 1" across with four petals and prominent stamens and a long green stalk of calyx. They remain open from early evening until early morning but often stay open longer or cloudy or cooler days and have a pleasant lemon like scent. They are produced prolifically along the stems from mid summer until fall giving a long blooming time. The flowers are followed by long narrow seed pods. stem

Location and care
Hardy plant that does best on poor soils provided they are well drained. Since it produces a tap root it cannot tolerate wet soils or those that become wet during the winter as it will rot the roots. It does best in sandy soil but will tolerate almost anything that is not wet. Prefers full sun but will grow well in areas where it can get sun part of the day. It will not grow well in areas that do not receive at least some full sun during the day. Once established the plants are extremely drought resistant and will continue to flower during hot dry periods, however during prolonged drought the lower leaves are likely to turn yellow and drop off while upper leaves may develop slightly brown margins.
Since plants will grow to 7 feet tall pick an area where height is needed or not a problem. Excellent for meadow areas or sections away from the house but visible. No care or maintenance is needed once plants are growing just cut down the stems at the end of the flowering period. Plant may reseed themselves but need to be in areas where they are not disturbed to develop for the following year. If intending to allow reseeding be aware of the rosettes and don't weed out. If mowing keep blade high to miss the low growing rosette.

Growing
In meadow like conditions or open areas seeds can be sown in situ in late spring to early summer for flowering the following year. Seeds need light to germinate so don't scatter seed in high growing meadow or area where the sun does not reach bare soil or seeds will not germinate.
Can be sown indoors for more control. Sow late winter in flats, or plug cells Do not cover seed. Keep compost moist until germination occurs most commonly within 15-30 days at 18-21°C (65-70°F). If there is no germination at the end of this period move trays to a cold area about 4°C (39ºF) for 4 wks, for 7 to 28 days. All our seed has been pre stratified so this step should not be necessary in most cases.
Transplant to individual pots when seedlings are large enough to handle and plant outside when rosettes are at least 3" across. If planting in full sun area pick a cloudy day so plants have time to adjust to their new surroundings before the full sun hits them. Space plants at least 14" apart. Water in well until plants have established then they can be ignored.

Edible Uses
The fleshy first year taproot can be dug up, cooked and eaten, but boiling and eating like salsify. Those who eat it claim it is fleshy, sweet and succulent with a slightly peppery taste. The flowers can be used in salads and as a garnish and are sweet and interesting. The seeds are also edible and a excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid, however the seeds are small and difficult to harvest making yields low and oil production expensive.

Medicinal Uses
A very useful medicinal plant. The bark and the leaves are used as a sedative and are used for treating gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and asthma. A syrup made from the flowers is also an effective treatment for whooping cough.
The seed oil containing gamma-linolenic acid, has many uses including treatment for eczema, acne, brittle nails, rheumatoid arthritis and alcohol-related liver damage. reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the blood pressure. It may also have uses for multiple sclerosis, pre-menstrual tension and hyperactivity. The poulticed root is applied to piles and bruises. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of obesity and bowel pains

Caution. Using this plant can reduce the threshold for epileptic fits and should be used with care in those taking anticoagulants. Adverse effects: may cause headaches and nausea on an empty stomach. Diarrhea with high doses.

Other Uses
The oil from the seed is added to skin preparations and cosmetics. It is often combined with vitamin E to prevent oxidation. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. A finely ground powder made from the flowering stems is used cosmetically in face-masks to counteract reddened skins.

Other names.
King's cure-all, Common Evening Primrose, Esekotu, Great Evening Primrose, King's-cureall, Middelste Teunisbloem, Onagra biennis, Brunyera biennis, Oenothera muricata, Onagra muricata, Sun Drop

 
Item # Packet size Nett Weight Number Seeds(approx) Price Qty
Small 0.08 g 200 seeds $2.20
Medium 0.16 g 400 seeds $3.90
Large 0.40 g 1000 seeds $6.60

Please note: all seeds are sold by weight and seed count is approximate.

To keep seed prices low much of our seed is semi cleaned. More Info