Primrose care

The primrose, usually called the spring plant , is a plant highly appreciated by gardening enthusiasts and is that its common name is due to when the primroses bloom, as they are one of the first to flower when spring arrives, sometimes even coming forward to the end of winter.

It is actually a whole genus of perennials, with a great variety of characteristics depending on the different types of primroses. If you want to learn more about primroses and their care, join us in this article where you will see a complete and practical guide on the care of primrose .

Primrose characteristics

When talking about primroses , the first thing to mention is that, although many believe that they are seasonal plants, this is not the case, and with proper care they can survive as perennials . As we have already mentioned at the beginning, they are plants that bloom in spring or somewhat earlier and that is why they are also called springs .

They are plants with flowers with five petals and a wide variety of colors , which give off a pleasant and soft aroma. In addition, it is worth differentiating some of its most popular types in gardens and for interiors.

Types of primroses

One of them is Primula acaulis , also called Primula vulgaris , which we can find both high and low bush, with large leaves and stems. The obconica Primula is easily distinguished by its rounded leaves, but does best in exterior, does not tolerate frost.

We can also find wild primrose , very common naturally in many territories. This primrose has flowers of less intense colors than the types most used in gardening, but it is also very decorative.

Primrose Care - Types of Primroses

Light and location for primrose

Primroses need a well-lit location . Outdoors we will try to locate them in a semi-shady area or where they are covered from direct light at the worst hours, while indoors we will look for a very bright area but, again, sheltered from direct sunlight.

Direct sun does not benefit these plants, so it is very important to keep them covered from it and ensure that the light passes through some type of filter such as a thin curtain or it will end up killing them. Obviously, transparent glasses not only offer no protection, but because of their magnifying effect they will be even more harmful and will burn them.

Climate for primrose

Depending on the specific species, primroses offer different degrees of resistance to cold and frost although, in general, it is better not to expose them to extreme temperatures, neither high nor low. These plants enjoy temperate climates between 14ºC and 18ºC , so in very hot areas the plant can suffer a lot. In addition, the primrose appreciates a moderate humidity. Indoors, keep them away from artificial heat sources such as heaters.

Watering the primroses

Irrigation is one of the most important points in the care of these plants and it is that, as we have said, the plant requires a certain level of humidity to develop properly. The ideal is to keep the substrate permanently moistened , especially in the warm months, but always without flooding it , which would be very harmful to the plant and could cause its roots to rot.

Thus, try to water your primroses every 48 or 72 hours during the warm months , but do it weekly in winter. If in doubt, touch the substrate with your finger: if it has dried under the surface layer, the plant needs watering. 

Primrose care - Watering the primroses

Substrate for primroses

Since they are plants that need regular watering and do not tolerate waterlogging, it will be vital that the substrate offers the best possible drainage. In a pot, it will also be absolutely necessary for it to have drainage holes.

It requires substrates rich in organic matter, loose and light , so it is best to prepare a mixture like the one we usually recommend, with a part of coconut fiber , a part of earthworm humus and a part of peat or universal substrate. We can also add some perlite to the mix and thus we will have an ideal soil for our primroses.

Compost for primroses

If we want the plant to flower abundantly and produce large and showy flowers, it is advisable to apply fertilizer as soon as its flowering season begins and do it approximately every 15 days . It will be enough with ecological organic fertilizer such as, for example, a small contribution of worm castings.

Primrose care - Compost for primroses

How to transplant a primrose

It is very common to transplant these flowering plants, either because we have acquired them in a gardening establishment or from a nursery and they need a larger pot, or because we want to take them outside after a while.

The primrose must be transplanted, either as soon as we acquire it, to give it a new substrate or soil and more space, or in spring , when the plant is stronger. Be careful with its roots when removing it from its current location and water it as soon as you transplant it , as is usual in these cases. 

Why does primrose turn yellow leaves

If your primrose leaves turn yellow , especially around the edges, the environment is most likely too dry for your plant. Try to place it in an area closer to a window or with more ventilation and try spraying a little water on it once or twice a week. It can also happen that excess dryness is due to poor watering , or too direct exposure to sunlight. Therefore, review these aspects in the case of your plant to see what is wrong and correct it.

Primrose care

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