OENOTHERA ODORATA

Description

Vast, three inch, fragrant lemon-yellow saucers open actually in the daytime on this adorable back-of-the-border plant, which is unusual in that the flowers open during the day time when they can be best admired. Evening primrose oil, derived from the seeds, is a well-known source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), said to be a good dietary supplement for women in particular. The small drop of this nutrient in every seed serves as a readily available energy boost for the plant, allowing it to germinate and grow faster than its competitors.

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. We sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination, as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, often waiting for natural spring germination, hence giving them a full season of growth.

Key Facts