Primrose Growing Guide

Primula polyantha hybrids, Primula vulgaris and other Primula species

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Position

Partial shade, especially afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes, primroses are hardy perennials. Well-rooted plants are hardy to -34°C (-30°F).

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants begin to produce new leaves in spring.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Trays of seedlings of Primroses and Primula are available from April and these should be planted out by mid-May. They can be started from seed, which is a good way to explore different types. Start seeds in seed trays in late summer to early autumn barely pressing them into moist seed starting mix. At room temperature seeds should sprout within 21 days. Young plants need water when they are actively growing. A surface mulch suppresses weeds while making the plants look more attractive. Primroses prefer cool, humid climates, where they grow as self-seeding perennials. In hot summer regions they are grown as winter- and spring-flowering annuals. They do very well under deciduous trees, where they recieve sun in winter but are protected from the summer heat. They don't do well in regions with high heat and humidity.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Primroses are beloved European wildflowers that help open the spring season. In addition to Primula species, colourful hybrids raised in winter greenhouses and sold in spring are surprisingly hardy in the garden. The crinkled leaves appear first thing in spring, often alongside wild violets. Primulas are different from evening primrose (Oenothera species), which are a separate plant.

Harvesting

Most primroses are borne on stems too short for cutting, but Japanese primrose (P. japonica) is a taller plant, with blossoms borne on upright stems. When flowering ends, trim off old stems to better view primrose foliage.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Primrose

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail