Common primrose: care and cultivation

The name "common primrose" (Primula vulgaris) comes from the Greek word "primus" - early, first. Primula belongs to the primrose family. According to researchers, there are up to 500 species, while only 33 are found in Europe. In nature, it grows in rather harsh conditions.

It can be found high in mountain crevices, along the banks of mountain streams, in wet alpine meadows and even near snowfields. Apparently, therefore, the flower is particularly modest, it is a small herbaceous perennial plant with small leaves and single branches of white or yellow flowers.

Inflorescences look like a bunch of keys, which gave rise to beautiful legends and legends. Since ancient times, primrose was considered a miraculous, healing flower, endowed with magical powers.

Thanks to the work of breeders, more than 200 species of this plant have been cultivated, which can be grown without much difficulty in gardens and at home.

The first of the primroses to bloom is the common primrose. This is a stemless primrose, the flowers of which sit one at a time on short stems-peduncles. Many large flowers (2-3 cm in diameter) form a fluffy hat up to 12-15 cm high. Shaggy wavy leaves of a dense basal rosette are almost impossible to see during flowering.

The fruit is a toothed box in which small dark seeds ripen. Note that in early spring, in April, the development of leaves and flowering of primroses occurs simultaneously. Common primrose attracts gardeners with environmental resistance, a variety of leaf shapes and flower colors, as well as unpretentiousness, because caring for it is very simple.

Many of its hybrid species are grown indoors in pots next to other houseplants. If desired and with proper care, you can create a spring blooming home corner for the New Year or March 8th.

Common primrose cultivation and home care

Growing and caring for this flower at home will not cause you much trouble, but you will be satisfied with the results of your little efforts.

Plant propagation

Common primrose is propagated in several ways:

• sowing seeds,
• root division,
• propagation by cuttings,
• vegetative reproduction,
• self-seeding

Sowing seeds. Remember that ordinary primrose seeds quickly lose their germination. Before planting, they must be stratified, that is, artificially create natural winter conditions. Seeds are sown in small containers with soil, preferably deciduous, mixed with sand, they do not need any care: we store them in the refrigerator or bury them in a snowdrift for 2-4 weeks.

Seedlings dive after the germination of two full leaves. Carefully transplant young seedlings into containers or boxes filled with new soil. The seedlings are brought to light. Before landing in the ground, they are regularly watered with a thin stream of water or placed in a pan, and also fed. The temperature for the development of seedlings should be 16-18 degrees.

When the threat of frost has passed, the sprouts are dug into the ground. It is better to breed primroses in the spring and autumn. Grown from seeds, primroses bloom only in the second year.

The next method is the division of the rhizome. The primrose is dug up with roots, divided into separate outlets or groups of outlets and transplanted to a new place. This procedure can be carried out even during flowering. In winter, you can purchase rhizomes, put them in pots and plant them in early spring.

The cutting method is as follows: you need to cut leaves from a two-three-year-old bush and plant them in the ground.

Vegetative propagation is the reproduction of clones from roots, stems and leaves.

Common primrose can also reproduce by self-sowing.

Landing location

The plant is photophilous, feels great in partial shade from bushes and trees, as well as in front gardens and greenhouses, accessible to the rays of the sun only in the morning. On hills, it is better to plant it on the northern, eastern and western sides of the slope.

At home, place flowerpots or boxes with flowers in the light, in the shade and partial shade, avoid direct sunlight. You can put pots with common primrose between window frames, take them out to a glazed loggia.

The soil

Primroses need light, well-drained soil, preferably light, loamy soil. If necessary, a mixture of sand, sphagnum moss and vermiculite is introduced into the top layer of soil with the addition of organic fertilizers. The composition of light clay soil is improved and enriched by introducing organic compounds (humus, compost, peat). We loosen the soil. Nutrient-rich soil should retain moisture well.

Watering

It is important that the soil is always moist. This is one of the main conditions for the existence of common primrose in wildlife. She is a primrose, gaining strength during the period of active snowmelt in early spring, so care should be appropriate. In late spring, especially carefully monitor the condition of the soil. Drying it out can lead to weakening of the plants.

Water stagnation should also be avoided. Ensure proper soil drainage. On hot summer days, do not allow the soil to dry out, but in October-November you should not be zealous with watering. During this period, the plant slows down its growth, preparing for wintering. Excess moisture and improper care can lead to damage to the root system.

At home, it is better to water with settled water. During the period of ejection of buds and their flowering, watering should be more abundant. Then liquid fertilizer is added for top dressing.

Temperature regime

The plant is frost-resistant. Seeds are stored at a temperature of 6-7 degrees. A favorable temperature for growing sprouted young animals is 16-18 degrees.

At the end of winter and spring, primrose blooms rapidly at a temperature of 8-12 degrees. Humidity must be sufficient. With low humidity, place the flowerpots in a pan with water on a layer of expanded clay or other drainage material.

Gardeners are crazy about the variety of species of common primrose, each of which is unique in its own way. It is impossible not to talk about the empress of spring gardens - the terry primrose of the Rosana Mix series. In terms of decorativeness of leaves, juiciness and attractiveness of the palette of flowers, it has no equal. The main thing is that this species is able to bloom up to 4 months per season!

In the photo, her flower looks like a rose, although it consists of five petals characteristic of a primrose. Wavy, intricately curved, they look like a rose that has not fully blossomed. The bush looks like an elegant beautiful bouquet. Rosanna is often grown for winter forcing. It blooms indoors from March to April.