Evening, Primrose Seeds

Evening Primrose Seed

Drought-tolerant primrose creates long-lived flowering groundcover
Low growth spills attractively over walls
Hardy plants complement taller perennials and shrubs
Well suited to rock gardens and dry borders

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Oenothera lamarckiana

Days to maturity

75 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

500 Seeds

Zones 2–12 Check your growing zone

About Evening, Primrose Seed, Primrose Seed

The Evening Primrose is a long-lived and drought tolerant dwarf perennial that makes a nice ground cover around taller perennials and shrubs. This flowering plant is hardy and looks great when it is spilling over a retaining wall or spreading through a large rock garden.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/16"

Days to Germination

14–21 days

Germination Type

C30 - Cold Moist 30 Days

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Biennial

Plant Height

60 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

54,000

Color

Yellow

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Primrose, select a site with morning sun or bright partial shade, protection from harsh afternoon heat, and moist but well-drained soil. Incorporate compost and prepare a fine, weed-free bed without burying tree roots or creating soggy conditions. Confirm any seed chilling or light-germination requirement before sowing primrose.

Planting

Sow primrose outdoors in fall or start indoors according to its germination requirement; many perennial species benefit from a cool period before warmth. Maintain even moisture during germination and provide bright light after emergence. Harden indoor-grown seedlings before planting outdoors. Transplant while young to minimize root disturbance, and thin direct sowings after sturdy true leaves develop.

Watering

Provide consistent moisture for primrose without saturating the soil. Water at the base before plants wilt, increasing frequency during heat, wind, or peak flowering.

Fertilizer

Fertilize primrose modestly as new spring growth begins, following soil-test recommendations. Stop after midsummer so late tender growth does not reduce winter hardiness.

Harvesting

Primrose flowers are ready when stems are firm and blooms show mature color without fading. Cut during cool, dry conditions; for seed, leave selected heads until brown and dry.

Tips

Deadhead primrose frequently and trim weak or crowded stems to improve airflow. Leave a few late flowers to mature only when seed saving or natural reseeding is desired.

Pests & Diseases

Primrose is susceptible to Botrytis, Ramularia leaf spot, powdery mildew, and Phytophthora root or crown rot. Remove old flowers and spotted leaves from the low rosette, keep crowns free of mulch, and improve drainage. Discard plants with soft centers rather than dividing or overwintering them.

Primrose can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.