Primrose

[Tindomul]

Anyone know how to take care of Primrose, I saw it at Trader Joes and couldn't resist taking one. I don't know anything about it and am trying to track down some culture info online. Thanks.

[DelawareJim]

Tin;

They like bright light like an east facing window, evenly moist, well-drained soil, and cool temps. Over watering often causes crown rot.

When I grew them in college as part of some plant breeding research to develop a heat tolerant strain, I kept them in a glasshouse between 55'F and 70'F. As I recall, yellow flowered plants were the hardiest.

Cheers.
Jim

[Tindomul]

Thanks so much! Mine is vibrant purple, is it still Primula vulgaris? I bet it is. Anyway, in following with your instructions I will bring it to work where I keep my cool orchids. Its just way too warm in my apartment. One question, is this a perenial or an annua? Thanks again.

[DelawareJim]

It's most likely Primula x polyantha which is widely sold this time of year.



P. x polyantha is a complex hybrid with oxlip (Primula elatior), cowslip (Primula veris), and common primrose (Primula vulgaris) in it's parentage. It is often treated as a tender perennial or annual.

Cheers.
Jim

[Tindomul]

Jim you are an encyclopedia of horticultural knowledge! Thanks. This is the one I got:

[Franco24]

Seeing that you are not to far from me in New York (I'm here in NJ) - you may be able to grow it outside as a perennial. I have two decent sized pots full of primrose outside next to the back steps, and they've survived our winters year after year.

Our two feet of snow finally melted and they are perked up and happy despite being buried for almost a week in snow and temps in the low 30's.

[Tindomul]

Wow, no way. Are you saying the plant still has leaves? And the leaves survived the snow. Very cool. Unfortunately I don't have outdoor space. Thanks for the info thought.