Primulas are easy to grow plants that will reward you with a reliable amount of flowers for many years to come. When you receive your plants you should move them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.

Position

Primulas will grow in a variety of positions and thrive in sun and part shade as long as soils remain moist throughout summer. Primulas make for excellent front of the border plants and will thrive in containers also. Plants that produce tall flower stems will benefit from a degree of shelter from strong winds.

Soil

Soil should be deep, fertile and moist. The easiest way to achieve a soil conducive to growing Primulas is enrich the intended planting area with plenty of organic matter, well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost will be fine. This will help to improve the soil structure and hold on to essential moisture throughout warm periods. An application of general fertilizer will help to promote strong and healthy plant growth. 

Care

Watering your new plants well after planting is essential to help them establish well. This is ever more important if planting during a hot period. Plants will benefit from regular applications of fertilizer at intervals throughout the growing season and you may also wish to add a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost in the spring each year as this will help to encourage good growth, conserve water and keep roots moist throughout summer. Remove fading flowers by hand or with Ratcheting Pruners and add your clippings to the compost bin.  

Top Tip

Primula can be propagated by sowing seed when “green”. This means that seed pods can be broken early before seed shells have hardened. With your thumb and forefinger spread green seeds in to compost held in a seed tray, cover with grit and place in a cold frame. Plant out new plants the following spring.