Primula malacoides

Alpine varieties require a humus rich, well drained soil and are suitable for rock gardens or alpine houses. Border primulas require more moisture and should be grown where the soil does not dry out or where they can be watered when necessary. They are ideal for bog gardens and waterside planting. Plant border primulas between mid Autumn and mid Spring in full sun or partial shade, incorporating peat or well decayed manure. Plant alpine varieties between early Autumn and mid Spring in sun or partial shade, adding leaf mould or extra gritty sand where necessary.

Most primulas can be divided after flowering and planted directly into their flowering position.

Flowers are borne at the end of stout stems well above the leaves in Spring

Fill a seed tray with seed compost, water, and allow to drain.Sprinkle seeds over the surface allowing roughly 25mm space between seeds and cover with a thin layer of compost. Put tray in a clear polythene bag and place on a windowsill. When seedlings show remove plastic bag. When the second pair of leaves appear on the seedlings thin out to 50mm spacing by removing the weakest looking plants. After 2 or 3 weeks and when danger of frost has passed plants can then be planted outside into required position.