Primrose, one of the first to bloom!

Primrose - Primula

Primrose is one of the first flowers to bloom in the year.

Prime Primrose facts

NamePrimula
FamilyPrimulaceae
Type – perennial
Height – 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) depending on the variety

Exposure – full sun, part sun, shade
Soil – rather rich, well drained and cool
Blooming – October to April or February to September

A must-have in the garden, caring for it is easy and requires little attention, whereas its  blooming will enchant you.

Planting, sowing primrose

Planting of primrose purchased in pots or in nursery pots

planting primrose - primulaPlant the garden primrose from the nursery pot from October to March in a blend of soil mix and garden soil.
You can also add organic soil conditioner such as manure and seaweed.

  • Water regularly at the beginning if it doesn’t rain.

Sowing primroses from purchased seeds

From seed, sow primrose starting from the month of May for it to have settled in by fall.

If going along this path, sow in a tray and transplant 1 month later, still simply in a larger tray. Yet another month later, transplant to a nursery pot. Finally, transfer to the ground starting in October.

  • At each of these steps, regularly water but not too much, simply enough to keep the soil mix moist.

Caring for primrose

Remove wilted flowers as they die off to boost bearing of new flowers.

Your primroses can be propagated through crown division after the blooming.

In the event of a slug invasion, make the most of the ashes from your fireplace to fight them off.

All there is to know about primrose

Primroses are perennials that are particularly appreciated for their fall, winter and spring blooming and the bright colors of their flowers.

Primrose planted along an edge, blooming purpleThey are also used as indoor plants (Primula malacoides and abconica) where they stand out wherever they’re set.
Sometimes they’ll need to be set outside overnight to let them rest a bit in cool air.

In flower beds, along edges, in rock gardens or in garden boxes, primroses are very easy plants to maintain and are very ornamental when most other deciduous plants have lost their cover…

Why not try to sprinkle your mixed salads with flowers and also toss in a few young primrose leaves, they’re perfectly edible!

Smart tip about primrose

Having added soil conditioner upon planting will enhance the plant’s growth and blooming.


Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois):
MikhailBerkut/Shutterstock
Bright primrose colors (also on social media) by Stadt Schwedt/Oder under Pixabay license
Edge primrose, purple by Etienne Gontier under Pixabay license