Cowslip

What Cowslip is

Cowslip (Primula spp.) is a perennial flower of the primrose family (Primulaceae). Dense heads of drooping yellow flowers appear on this typical spring flower, which is ideal for wild grass (its natural home).

Cowslip reaches a height of about 20 cm.

The primrose herb has expectorant, calming, pain-relieving and, to a slight degree, laxative effects.

Method of use: 1 tablespoon of flowers or leaves is covered with 300 ml. of boiling water and left to steep for 2 hours.

The infusion is drunk, 1 coffee cup before meals, 4 times a day. From the rhizomes, 1 coffee spoon is boiled in the same amount of water for 10 min.

It is drunk in the same way.

Cowslip is one of the first spring flowers — for partially shaded beds and pots.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 75%
• Seeds per packet: 170–230 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; seedlings
• Flowering: April and May
• Position: partial shade or shade

When to sow Cowslip

Cowslip seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in April and May. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Cowslip

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 20 cm
• Germination: 21–42 days at 15–18 °C; stratification is required
• Position: partial shade or shade

Flowers from April to May. Indoors, sow on the surface onto moist, well-drained compost. The ideal temperature is 15-22°C. Germination takes 21-40 days. Germination can be erratic and takes much longer. If germination does not occur, cold stratify. Move to 4°C, a refrigerator is ideal, for 4-6 weeks, then return to warmth for germination. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 8 cm. pots. Seeds sown after spring will not germinate until the following year, so be very patient.

The seeds germinate in light and need cold.

Flowering and uses

Flowers in March–May.

Frequently asked questions

When should Cowslip be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 170–230 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 75%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.