How to Grow a Primula Plant

Primula refers to a genus of plant that includes many varieties including primrose, auricula, oxlips and cowslips. These plants all have leafy green foliage along with colorful flowers in shades of white, yellow, red, pink, orange and purple. Primula plants are relatively easy to grow and care for in a garden setting given the proper soil, light conditions and fertilization. Primulas may be grown from seed or purchased as plants in nurseries and transplanted to outdoor gardens.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Shovel
• Soil
• Starter primula plants
• Mulch
• Non-organic fertilizer

1. Plant your primula plant in late spring, when there is no longer a danger of frost, to early summer.

2. Find an area of your garden that receives part sun and part shade and that is cool and moist.

3. Dig holes at least 15 to 20 inches apart to plant your primula plants in.

4. Place the plants into the holes, filling in the holes with a neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0.

5. Surround the plants with mulch to help keep the soil moist and prevent the plants’ roots from getting too hot in warmer climates and too cold in colder temperatures.

6. Water plants daily, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

7. Fertilize the primula plant during flowering periods using a non-organic (chemical) fertilizer.

8. Divide plants every two to three years, transplanting extra plants into other areas of your garden. This helps keep plants healthy by preventing overcrowding.