Seeds – Biennial Evening Primrose

Evening primrose ( Oenothera biennis ) is a native plant of Quebec, generally reaching between 1 and 1.5 meters in height. It is known for its large yellow flowers that open in the evening, giving off a pleasant fragrance, and attracting various nocturnal pollinators.

2. Sowing

• Difficulty level : Easy
• Type of sowing : Direct in open ground in autumn or early spring
• Sowing technique : Sow the seeds on the surface, without covering them, as they require light to germinate.
• Sowing depth : On the surface
• Germination days : 14 to 28 days
• Germination temperature : 15 to 20C

3. Culture

• Ease of cultivation : Easy
• Growing season : Spring to fall
• Transplanting : Not necessary, prefers direct sowing
• Plant spacing : 30 to 45 cm between plants
• Hardiness Zone : 3 to 9
• Brightness : Full sun
• Soil Type : Dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils
• Soil pH : Neutral to slightly acidic
• Soil Moisture : Drought tolerant once established
• Soil fertility : Not very demanding
• Time to Flower : Usually flowers the second year after sowing
• Watering : Moderate, water during periods of prolonged drought
• Other characteristics : Attractive ornamental plant for naturalistic gardens and flower meadows, providing visual interest in autumn and winter

4. Use

Ideal for landscaping, grass gardens, and native meadows, biennial evening primrose adds interesting texture and color, especially late in the season.

5. Companionship

• Friendly plants : Asters, rudbeckias, echinaceas
• Enemy plants : None known

This native plant is well adapted to Quebec’s climates and is an excellent choice for gardeners wishing to incorporate local, drought-resistant species into their landscaping.