Pale pink 5-petalled blossoms with dark pink centers and dark green leaves in a vase that appears to be made of old concrete or stone, with blossoms and leaves scattered around it on a granite surface.

How To Grow Primrose Seeds

Updated on Jan 18, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

Garden primroses (Primula spp.) are excellent additions to cottage and rock gardens, along paths and borders. Perhaps surprising given their name and night-blooming habits, Evening Primroses (Oenothera speciosa) are happy in full sun during the day and will thrive in disturbed soils. Primrose are among some of the first flowers to bloom in spring and will perennialize in zones 4-9.

HISTORY

Primrose was first known by medieval herbalists. It has since been extensively cultivated resulting in over 400 known species today. Primrose are popular for being delightfully fragrant, compact, and cold hardy.

USES

  • Primrose makes a wonderful ground cover, accents rock gardens and shade gardens, and does well in containers also.

Bright pink flowers with yellow centers on a dark wooden table

 

  • Cold stratify seeds for 2-4 weeks.
  • Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost
  • Surface sow and lightly tap into the substrate. 
  • Ideal soil temperature for germination is 60-70 F. A heat mat is not recommended.
  • Light aids germination.
  • Seeds should sprout in 20-45 days.
Very close image of a cluster of 5-petalled dark red-brown blossoms with white edges and yellow centers.Very close image of a cluster of 5-petalled dark red-brown blossoms with white edges and yellow centers.

 

  • Transplant outdoors after the last spring frost.
  • Choose a location in full to partial sun with well-draining soil.
  • Primrose can also be grown in a container
  • Space plants 12-18" apart.
  • Primrose often self-sows and spreads by clumping roots as well.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Avoid over watering.
  • Primrose will appreciate afternoon shade.
Dark red-brown primroses with white edges and yellow centers, in a pot with dark green leaves, seen from aboveDark red-brown primroses with white edges and yellow centers, in a pot with dark green leaves, seen from above

 

  • Collect seed pods when they begin to turn brown.
  • Dry in a well-ventilated area or in a paper bag.
  • Remove seeds from the pod once they have fully dried.
  • Store in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
Close photo of multicolored primroses: yellow, white with yellow centers, purple with yellow centers, light pink, dark pink, and dark red with yellow centers.Close photo of multicolored primroses: yellow, white with yellow centers, purple with yellow centers, light pink, dark pink, and dark red with yellow centers.