Primrose

Where to plant it

While it’s still hot, it’s better in part shade and out of the strong afternoon sun: too much sun turns its leaves yellow and slows its growth. When the cooler weather arrives, give it all the light you can, because with good light it flowers better. It likes soil rich in organic matter that stays moist but drains well.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist, but without waterlogging it. It’s sensitive to too much water: as well as bringing fungi such as grey mould, it can make the leaves turn yellow.

Feeding

Feed regularly throughout the season, including the cold months, so the leaves don’t turn yellow. Don’t overdo the nitrogen: it produces long, soft leaves that are more vulnerable to fungi and cold. When it starts forming flower buds it needs more potassium, so at that point a potassium-rich fertiliser suits it.

Care

If the new leaves turn yellow, it may be iron chlorosis: the plant can’t get the iron it needs. In primroses it usually appears because of too much moisture or too much sun, so check the watering and where you have it first.

In our climate

It’s a cool-season plant: it forms its flowers in the cool weather and stops when the heat sets in. That’s why in La Costera the usual thing is to enjoy it in winter and spring, and for it to fade as summer arrives. Treat it as a seasonal plant to brighten up the cold months.