Plant Details

Oenothera biennis

Evening Primrose

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Oenothera biennis.

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General Information

Scientific name: Oenothera biennis
Also known as: Evening Primrose

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous
Size: Small
Height: 1.20 m
Width: - m
Growth Rate: None
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Flowers, Leaves, Oil, Root, Seed capsule
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(5)
Features:
Cosmetic use, Dye, Oil, Bee forage, Fragrant

Description

Cooked carrots are often eaten as salsify or parsnips due to their fleshy, sweet, peppery, and juicy flavor, and because they are healthy and nutritious. Young shoots, both raw and cooked, also have a peppery taste, but due to their sliminess, it is recommended to consume them in moderation or even avoid them altogether. The sweet flowers of the plant can be used in salads or as a garnish. The young seed pods can be boiled or steamed, and the seeds are a good source of gamma-linolenic acid. However, harvesting the small seeds is difficult and labor-intensive, resulting in generally low yields, and therefore the product is considered expensive.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/07
End of Harvest: 30/09