Every year, right after Valentine’s Day, I start to see beautiful displays of colorful Primroses in every grocery store I walk into. It’s so tempting to snatch up one of each color and line my kitchen window sill with all of them. I was able to hold myself back this year after learning a little more about them. I would always buy at least two and they would be beautiful for a week or so, but soon the leaves start turning yellow, the blooms turn brown and fall off, soon they end up thrown out. It turns out Primroses aren’t really meant to be houseplants…who knew?!? They are actually hardy perennials that prefer cooler temperatures and rich soil with lots of compost and leaf mold. A shady spot is best because they don’t do well in the hotter temperatures of summer.
Couldn’t resist? I don’t blame you, they’re so pretty! If your ground is still frozen but warm during the day, set them out for a few hours in a sunny spot, just don’t forget and leave them outside overnight. If your ground has thawed you can plant them now as long as the nights don’t get below freezing. If you do get a frost warning cover them with some mulch, newspaper or plastic will help too.
Do you already have older, established Primroses in your flowerbeds? Spread the love and divide and transplant them right after they are done blooming. They will thrive after doing this and you might get surprised by a second bloom when the summer heat starts to cool. If you don’t have a spot for your transplants share them with your friends, a little something that will have them thinking of you with a smile every time they see it.
