Primrose

Primrose

Primrose are available in our greenhouses now!  

The primrose, with it's bright cheery flowers are irrisistable as the first harbingers of spring.  Available in almost every color of the rainbow, they make a great gift or addition to your windowsill.

Fairy Primrose (malecoides) and obconica are other types of primrose.  These are larger varieties with unusual flower configurations.  These primrose enjoy the same growing conditions as regular primrose, but usually do not winter over outdoors.

This species may be planted outdoors in a shady spot when frosty weather is gone.  An excellent plant to combine with spring-flowering bulbs. 

WATER AND FEEDING

Be careful to avoid over watering.  This is the main problem with primula care.  The soil should remain evenly moist but not wet.  They should be fertilized weekly with low analysis fertilizer such as 10-10-10.

TEMPERATURE

A critical environmental factor, the plants should be kept as cool as possible indoors, and planted in a shady spot outdoors.

PESTS AND DISEASES

Aphids are the most common insect pests on Primula.  They are easily controlled by an insecticide.  A systemic type is the most effective when aphids are on the underside of the leaves.

Red Spider Mites - This plant is very susceptible to attacks of red spiders.  A regular check on the underside of the leaves is necessary.

Leaf Spot - (Ramularia)  This disease occurs especially at low temperatures and high relative humidity.  Yellow spots will appear on the leaves, and then the edges of the spots will turn brown.  Avoid watering the leaves and water in the morning.