How to Grow Moonflowers & Primrose

How to Grow Moonflowers

• 1

  Soak moonflower seeds overnight in warm water the night before you plant them after the last frost of spring.

• 2

  Plant the wet moonflower seeds 3 inches apart and 1 inch deep in a prepared bed near a trellis, fence or other vertical support. Press the soil firmly against the seeds.

• 3

  Water the seed bed as needed to keep the soil moist for 10 to 20 days until the seeds germinate. When the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches long, thin them until they are 6 inches apart.

• 4

  Train the vines onto the trellis as they grow by wrapping them around the support structure. The vines will grow quickly once the weather warms up and will bear white flowers that open in late afternoon and close at dawn.

How to Grow Evening Primrose

• 5

  Sow evening primrose seeds in a prepared bed in late spring or early fall. The area should get full sun or partial shade. Barely cover the seeds with soil.

• 6

  Water the seed bed as needed to keep the soil moist for seven to 28 days until the seeds germinate. Evening primrose is a wildflower, and it grows easily from seed.

• 7

  When the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, thin them until they are 8 to 12 inches apart.

• 8

  Mark the planting area with stakes to avoid disturbing the plants during the winter. Weed the planting bed to give the primroses maximum light and nutrition. The following spring, the evening primrose will put out new growth, blooming at dusk with yellow blossoms that have a lemony scent. As the plant's season ends, flowers will open earlier in the day, but they are not fragrant until after sundown.