Success With Seeds Oenothera

Oenothera Germination Information

Oenothera is the botanical name for Sun Drop
Oenothera Seed Germination How to Sow Oenothera:
  • Best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86°
  • Sow indoors in early spring and expect germination in 15-20 days
  • Seeds can also be sown outdoors in late summer, fall, or early spring
  • Plants will readily self-sow around the garden
  • If sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed

How to Grow Oenothera:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart in full sun or light shade

Soil: Plant in a slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0-8.0), rich, moist, well-drained soil. Oenothera tetragona prefers a rich soil, but the others are very tolerant of adverse soil conditions such as low fertility and drought

Additional Care: Protect plants from excessive winter moisture. If division is necessary, do so in the spring

Appearance and Use:

Denizens of borders, rock gardens, and wildflower gardens with the following 3 species offering summer-appearing, cup-shaped, sweetly-scented, showy yellow flowers. Oenothera erythrosepala grows to 1 foot tall with 1 inch flowers that open in the evening (Zones 4-7). Oenothera missourensis is a trailing plant to 1 foot tall with 5 inch flowers that open in the evening (Zones 5-8). Oenothera tetragona (O. fruticosa) grows 18-24 inches tall with 1 1/2 inch flowers that open during the day (Zones 4-8). The remaining species, O. speciosa, grows 12-24 inches tall and offers white or rose flowers that opening in the evening (Zones 5-8). All are vigorous and floriferous


About Oenothera:
Pronunciation:  e-noth’er-å
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Onagraceae, native to North and South America
Common Name: Sun Drop