HERB-EVENING PRIMROSE

Oenothera biennis HERB-EVENING PRIMROSE provides a splash of colour in the garden, the sweetly scented, yellow flowers open towards evening. Officially introduced in 1614 into Europe, this herb was called the 'King's cure-all' by herbalists, it was considered a panacea for treating most ailments. Today, many modern herbalists use an extract in cough remedies and the seeds are used to produce evening primrose oil. The whole plant is edible, the leaves can be cooked, & the nutty-flavoured roots can be boiled & eaten like potatoes & the flowers make a lovely salad garnish. A biennial to 1.5 metres tall. The oil is said to ease skin conditions such as acne, rheumatoid arthritis, weak bones, high cholesterol & many others. Sow in spring or in autumn. Press seeds in lightly, do not cover the seeds with soil as they need light to germinate. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not wet. Seeds germinate in 15 to 30 days at 18 to 21°C. Once the seedlings have developed 2 pairs of true leaves, thin out the weakest seedlings. Space seedlings or thin plants to 45cm apart.