How to Grow Primroses

A few weeks ago, I purchased some primroses to enjoy along my balcony. Despite the colder weather and rain, they are still going strong. Today I want to talk to you about how to grow primroses.

I was wandering around a gardening store several weeks ago, looking for something to buy, when I saw a ton of primroses in a variety of colors. A few ended up in a hanging container near the edge of my balcony. I later bought more to fill the rest of the containers on the balcony. Now, my balcony’s edge is filled with colorful primroses!

History

Primroses are originally from Europe. They were used to treat a variety of conditions. Primroses were an ingredient in magic potions in the Middle Ages. The primrose flower is usually yellow, although there are also pink, white, purple, and red varieties. 

Fun Facts

Below are some fun facts about primrose flowers. Enjoy!

• Also known as primula vulgaris, these plants were thought to heal certain ailments, according to the Greeks.
• Primroses can be eaten. Flowers haven been used in wine and the leaves in teas.
• April 19 is Primrose Day in the United Kingdom.
• The primrose has a Latin origin, meaning “early” or “first” since this plant was known as one of the first to bloom in the springtime.
• The evening primrose is originally from Europe.
• In the wild, primroses are yellow, although they now come in variety of colors.
• There are close to 600 different species of primrose plants.
• The primrose’s stem can grow up to 12 inches tall.
• Primroses are perennials, so they can keep growing up to 2 years in the wild.

How to Grow Primroses

Primroses are pretty easy to grow. They enjoy partial shade, which makes them the perfect flowering plant to grow this time of year, due to the shorter days. My balcony is usually in shade most of the day this time of year as well, so few plants grow that aren’t shade plants.

You can also grow them from seeds. Plant them in semi-shaded areas in well draining soil. I use Miracle Gro Potting Mix for most of my plants and it works great!

If you live in a cold area, start the seeds indoors. Place your seedlings in the garden once they’ve grown a few inches and gained a few leaves. 

If you are planting grown primroses, keep them several inches apart with several inches of growing space in the soil. Use fertilizer while they are growing. 

How to Care for Primroses

It’s a good ideas to add mulch around your planted primroses  to help them stay wet. I have mine in soil specific to potted plants, and they seem to be doing fine. We even got some heavy rain a few days ago, and the primroses are still thriving!

Water once a week, when its not raining of course! These are great to enjoy during the colder months because of their vibrantly colored flowers.

How do you care for your primroses? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!