Petticoat Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Primulaceae or Primulaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Primrose

Species

acaulis

Description

Herbaceous plant grown as an annual, with compact growth and an erect habitus. The blooms, with an excellent assortment of colours, appear during the end of winter, giving an accent of colour and elegance to terraces and balconies in pots and tubs, also in composition with other ornamentals.

Easy to cultivate, it prefers a well-draining substrate with a tendency to be acidic with exposure in half-shade.

Variety description

The pecticoat primrose differs from the others in that it has very large, dense, double flowers with a unique elegance. It is also more vigorous and is easier to grow in a 12 cm pot. Even a 13 cm pot. It is filled comfortably and the plants are even larger for a truly outstanding product. The flowering of the pecticoat is longer lasting than the other p. Acaulis, and at full maturity has a diameter of up to 16-18 cm. It also has a good ability to keep in quality indoors, thanks to the long shelf life of the flowers.

Curiosities and special features

Considered a symbol of spring, youth and rebirth, the term primula is short for prímus, meaning first, in reference to the early flowering that occurs at the end of the winter period when other ornamentals are still in their dormant state.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the temperate biomes of Europe, Western Caucasus and Lebanon.

Flower size

The flower is large compared to that of other varieties, lending elegance to the overall flowering.

Leaf

The leaves have obovate lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-winter to early spring for between 40 and 70 days, allowing us to bring colour and vibrancy to our green spaces during the coldest time of the year.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.16 to 0.22 m, ideal for use in pots and tubs.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Where to plant

Typically used to add an accent of colour as a balcony plant , tubs, small pots, planters

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double in shape, large, with a dialipetal corolla and plain petals. It flowers from mid-winter to early spring, with a flowering period of between 40 and 70 days. It has sweet and honey notes and is fragrant with a fruity aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with vigorous growth, perfect for creating dense, well-proportioned groups.

Plant habit

Plant with an erect habit.

Branching

Branching is naturally meagre.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH between 5.5 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the bed, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky pebbles. Spread professional quality substrate about 5/10 cm on the surface and carefully level.

Sun exposure

For best vegetative growth and lush flowering, exposures in half-shade, shade and light shade are recommended.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 7 and 16 °C. The vital temperature is between 0.0 and 32 °C

Use

The flowering, with its wide range of colours, makes it ideal as a plant in:

Ornamental environment Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety with medium hardiness.

Soil

For use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended. In flowerbeds it prefers a light, loosely loosened soil.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy, the management effort is low overall.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation aspects and tricks for the variety:

Prefers slightly calcareous water

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for creating monochrome groups or for compositions with other ornamentals such as Anemone coronaria, Ranunculus asiaticus, Viola cornuta.

Planting

For bed planting we recommend an average density of 25 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of the root and aerial apparatus of each specimen, thus obtaining a harmonious and proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding sinking the root ball completely, which must be well moistened, and then water immediately after planting.

Propagation

Medium sowing.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively low-lime aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. After transplanting, assist the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site, avoiding both desiccation and excess water. Subsequently take care to keep the substrate or soil moist at all times but free from stagnation which can cause fungal diseases and root rot. Do not water the aerial part during the afternoon or evening hours to prevent the development of phytopathologies.

Fertilising

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, from mid-winter to spring, apply a liquid fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate, diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Pet safety

Avoid administration, consult your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

The leaves and flowers of some varieties find culinary use in the preparation of salads. Not all varieties are edible.

Tip

On the balcony outdoors, a position sheltered from the sun lengthens the flowering period, as the individual flowers have a higher resistance, but last longer in lower temperatures and light. Transplanting primroses purchased in pots into balconies or tubs lengthens the life of the plants and the flowering period. Iron fertilisation of primroses in pots or tubs keeps the foliage darker green and the flowers brighter with some high potassium fertilisation (15.5.25).