The primrose, usually called spring plantIt is a plant highly appreciated by gardening enthusiasts and its common name is due to when primroses bloom, as they are one of the first to flower when spring arrives, sometimes even early in late 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 springs and their care, join us in this Green Ecologist article in which you will see a complete and practical guide on the primrose care.
Primrose characteristics
Speaking of primroses, the first thing to mention is that, although many believe that these are seasonal plants, this is not the case, and with proper care they can survive as perennials. As we have already commented at the beginning, they are plants that bloom in spring or somewhat earlier and that is why they are also called springs.
Are five-petal flowering plants and a wide variety of colors, which give off a pleasant and smooth 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 the Primula acaulis, also called Primula vulgaris, that we can find both high and low bush, with large leaves and stems. The Primula obconica It is easy to distinguish due to its rounded leaves and, although it grows better outdoors, it does not tolerate frost.
We can also meet with 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.
Light and location for primrose
Primroses need a well lit location. Outdoors we will try to locate them in some semi-shadow zone or where they are covered from direct light at the worst hours, while indoors we will look for a very bright area but, again, protected 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. Clearly, transparent glasses not only do not offer 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 appreciate temperate climates of between 14 ºC and 18 ºC, 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. Ideally, keep the permanently moistened substrate, especially in the warm months, although always without flooding it, which would be very harmful to the plant and could cause its roots to rot.
So, try to water your primroses every 48 to 72 hours during 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. Here we explain more about when to water the plants.
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.
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 worm castings 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 bloom profusely and produce large and showy flowers, it is advisable to apply fertilizer as soon as it begins its flowering time and do it roughly each 15 days. It will be enough with ecological organic fertilizer as, for example, a small contribution of vermicompost.
Learn How to make vermicompost with this guide and learn more about How to make homemade organic compost for plants with this other one.
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. Have watch out for your roots by removing it from its current location and water it as soon as you transplant it, as is usual in these cases. Learn more about when and how to transplant a plant with this other post.
Why does primrose turn yellow leaves?
Yes your primrose leaves turn yellowEspecially 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 may also happen that the excess dryness is due to a poor irrigation, or too direct exposure to sunlight. Therefore, review these aspects in the case of your plant to see what is wrong and correct it.
We recommend you read this other article to learn more about Why do yellow leaves appear on plants and the solutions there are.
If you want to read more articles similar to Primrose care, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
