Evening Primrose, EP-10 (Organic)
Oenothera biennis. Biennial.
Produces 2″ yellow, sweetly fragrant flowers on 3-5′ tall central stalks from June to September in second year. Leaves and roots are edible, with a peppery taste. Flowers are edible and sweet, may be added to salads or used as a garnish, and are attractive to pollinators. Roots, bark, and seedpods are medicinal. This strain is purported to have a higher than average content of medicinal Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can be extracted from its seeds. We have noticed that it holds ripe seed pods tighter than other varieties making seed collection easier. Native to central and eastern North America. Hardy to Zone 4. Grows well in poor soil. Selfseeds/ naturalizes easily and may become a permanent part of the garden if you let it go to seed.
Scatter seeds on soil surface or in greenhouse flats up to 6 weeks before last frost. Needs light to germinate, may take 4 weeks. Transplant or thin 12-24” in all directions, grows to 5′ tall. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Biennial. Likely to self-seed and may become invasive: harvest seeds or deadhead (and eat!) flowers to prevent this.
Seed Saving
Collect seeds when seed heads are fully dry. Shell by hand, winnow or screen to clean. Some cross-pollination may occur, isolate from varieties of the same species by 1/4 mile.
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