Plant Database / Fairy primrose plant care

Fairy primrose

Primula malacoides

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Fairy primrose is a member of the Primula family. Its botanical name is Primula malacoides.

The leaves of this species contain primulin… the substance which causes the serious and painful ‘primrose itch’ so be careful to limit contact with skin.
This is a candelabra type primrose.

Blooms mature to 1.0 cm (that's 0.39 inches in imperial) in diameter, and produce a distinctive prominent honey, similar to rock cress scent. The mature flowers take a single form, with an approximate petal count of 5. Fairy primrose grows as an annual and is a flower / houseplant. Being an annual plant, it tends to grow best over the course of a single year. This plant tends to bloom in late winter.

Fairy primrose is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Fairy primrose have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Fairy primrose

Dappled Sun
+
High

Keep soil moist at all times. Keep out of strong sunlight and high heat. Leaves contain primulin which can cause skin irritation… sometimes quite severe.

Plant in a location that enjoys dappled sun and remember to water often. Fairy primrose needs a loamy and peat-rich soil with a ph of 5.0 to 6.0 (moderately acidic soil - weakly acidic soil). Fairy primrose is generally regarded as a tender plant, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.

Growing Fairy primrose from seed

Requires light to germinate. Do NOT cover seed.

Transplanting Fairy primrose

Usually grown under glass. Not frost tolerant.

Companion plants for Fairy primrose

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Fairy primrose so consider planting:

Repellent plants for Fairy primrose

These plants will not grow well with Fairy primrose so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Fairy primrose problems

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Fairy primrose plants:

Other names for Fairy primrose

Latest Fairy primrose Reviews

18 Apr 2012

orientallily's Primrose, Fairy was Reviewed day

This semi-tropical annual primrose is a real keeper. Blooms in late winter or early spring. Day-length sensitive. Fragrance similar to rock cress. Candelabra type scapes. Leaves contain primulin.

4 stars

See all Fairy primrose reviews and experiences »

Fairy primrose care instructions

Category The lifecycle that this Fairy primrose exhibits. Annual Difficulty How easy is Fairy primrose to grow? Easy 2/5
Lifecycle The lifecycle that this Fairy primrose exhibits. Annual Growth Habit What shape or habit does Fairy primrose grow into? Help build our wiki!
Hardiness How frost hardy is Fairy primrose? Tender Country of Origin Where did Fairy primrose come from? Help build our wiki!
Mature Height How tall does Fairy primrose grow? Help build our wiki! Mature Spread How wide does Fairy primrose grow? Help build our wiki!
USDA Zone Range Which zones does Fairy primrose grow best in? to pH Range The level of acidity for Fairy primrose. 5.0 - 6.0
Water Requirements How much water does Fairy primrose require? High Nitrogen Requirements How much nitrogen fertilizer does Fairy primrose need? Help build our wiki!
Soil What sort of soil should I plant Fairy primrose in? Loam / Peat Sun How much sunlight does Fairy primrose need to grow? Dappled Sun
Can Sow Direct? Can Fairy primrose be sown directly? No Sowing Depth How deep to plant Fairy primrose? Help build our wiki!
Sowing Distance Apart How far apart to plant Fairy primrose? Help build our wiki! Sowing Row Distance Apart How far apart to plant rows of Fairy primrose? Help build our wiki!
Ideal Germination Temperature Range What temperatures does Fairy primrose need in order to germinate? Help build our wiki! to Help build our wiki! Growing Temperatures What temperatures are best to grow Fairy primrose in? Help build our wiki! to Help build our wiki!
Planting Distance Apart How far apart to plant Fairy primrose seedlings. Help build our wiki! Planting Row Distance Apart How far apart to plant rows of Fairy primrose seedlings. Help build our wiki!
Bloom Time When will Fairy primrose bloom? Late Winter Harvest Time When is Fairy primrose ready for harvest? Help build our wiki!
Pruning Time When should I prune Fairy primrose? Help build our wiki!

How long does Fairy primrose take to grow?

These estimates for how long Fairy primrose takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Days to Germination How long does it take Fairy primrose to germinate? 3 days Average 3 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Fairy primrose? + days Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Days to Maturity How long until Fairy primrose is ready for harvest / bloom? + days Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Fairy primrose? = days

Footnotes

Popular varieties of Fairy primrose

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Fairy primrose Forums

Primroses

A group for all gardeners who grow primula of any sort... as well as other members of Primulaceae such as shootings ...
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Fairy primrose