How to Plant Primroses

The most difficult part of caring for primroses is choosing from all the colors and varieties available. Although considered a perennial, many primroses only last for 1 growing season because they are sensitive to certain growing conditions. The 1st crucial step is in the planting process, whether inside or outside. Learn a few basic steps for planting primroses that can ensure your plants thrive for a long time.

Things You'll Need

• Primrose plants
• Potting soil
• Peat moss
• Liquid fertilizer
• Planters or containers, optional

Instructions

Indoor Planting

1. Choose a planter or container with good drainage. There should be holes in the bottom of the container to allow the water to drain out. Water should never stand in the container or the roots can rot.

2. Mix 1/2 potting soil with 1/2 peat moss. Add this mixture to the container. The best soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5.

3. Add your plants to the container. If putting more than 1 plant per container, they should be placed about 6 inches apart. If the container is too small to allow this, then only plant 1 primrose per container. Be sure the bottom of the leaves is level with the top of the container. Fill in with more soil as needed. Gently pack down.

4. Water until the soil is damp. Keep the soil damp by watering once a day, but do not saturate so that water stands in the container. Allow to drain well and keep the humidity high. The best way to do this is to set the container on a tray filled with river rocks and to mist the plant a few times a week.

5. Place in bright indirect light in the spring--in front of a large window works best. In the warmer months, keep in partial shade. Do not set in direct sunlight.

Outdoor Planting

1. Prepare the ground and soil. Mix a slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5) with peat moss; ratio is 1 to 1. Till or loosen the ground where you will be planting and mix in the soil mixture; incorporate into the ground about 4 to 6 inches deep.

2. Plant your primroses about 6 inches apart. You can first set the plants out until you like the arrangement. Dig a hole about 2 times larger than the root of the plant; set the plant into the hole with the bottom of the leaves level with the top of the ground. Fill in with more soil as needed; gently pat the soil down. Primroses do best in a partially shaded area with morning sun and shade in the afternoon.

3. Water the plants lightly to dampen the soil. Do not overwater so that the soil is soaked and too packed around the plants. Fertilize your plants about every 3 to 4 weeks. Use a liquid fertilizer for best results.

4. Pick off old spent blooms right away. This is called "deadheading," and it encourages new growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Dig up outside plants and bring indoors if you live in a climate with cold and harsh winters. Replant outside the following spring.

References

• The Garden Helper
• Backyard Gardener