Almost everyone has probably bought a primrose in a pot at some point. The flowers, which can appear in red, white, yellow, orange or other shades, make you want more. The good news: If you like the plants, you can easily propagate them yourself.
How to propagate primroses?
Primroses can be propagated by self-sowing, targeted sowing or dividing the roots. If you sow yourself, new varieties may develop, for targeted sowing you sow the seeds between February and April, and if you divide the roots you divide older and larger plants.
Primroses reproduce through self-sowing
Many primroses, such as the cushion primrose, reproduce by self-sowing. You don't necessarily need to intervene here. The only thing you should keep in mind is that you do not remove all of the faded flowers after the flowering period. With luck, self-sowing will result in new varieties with completely new characteristics such as different flower colors. In addition, over the years, an entire area of primroses can emerge
Sowing primroses specifically
You can also take the sowing into your own hands. The best period is between February and April (end of May at the latest, for flowering the following year). The seeds germinate best when fresh. Make sure they are not older than 10 months.
The seeds are light and cold germinators. This is how you proceed with sowing:
- Sprinkle seeds on sowing soil
- if applicable Sprinkle seeds very thinly with sand
- Moisten the soil with a hand sprayer
- ideal germination temperature: 10 to 15 °C (living room is unsuitable)
- Germination time: 2 to 3 weeks
The seeds need several weeks of cold before they can germinate. Sustained high humidity is also important. The sowing container, such as a seed tray (€35.00 on Amazon), should be covered with a glass pane or other material so that a high level of humidity is achieved.
Divide primroses – only for strong specimens
Another method of propagation is by dividing the roots. This method should only be used on older and larger (from a diameter of 15 cm) primroses. Cushion primroses in particular are grateful for division - it promotes their flower formation.
The rootstock should be well developed. It is dug up, cleared of earth and divided. The newly obtained specimens are planted elsewhere. Partially shaded to sunny places are suitable as a location.
Tips & Tricks
A favorable place for sowing is the balcony. In spring there are often temperatures between 10 and 15 °C and the seeds can germinate easily.
