Primula elatior 'Oxlip'

[Ex. Cambridgeshire, England]

Primulaceae: An attractive perennial of open woodland, including coppiced sites, usually on clay soils. The flowers are 15-25mm across, pale yellow, resembling small primrose flowers, in 1-sided umbels of 10-20 flowers, blooming from March-May. Oval, long-stalked, crinkly, ending abruptly at the base and not tapering, from the basal rosette. Locally common only in parts of East Anglia. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Sweden to the Alps and Southern Russia.

USES:

The young leaves can be used raw or cooked in soups. They have a mild flavour and are available in late winter.

The root has diuretic and expectorant properties. It is used in the treatment of coughs, flu and other febrile conditions, insomnia and migraine.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seed in early spring in a cold frame. I found that they germinate well with GA3 [Gibberellic acid]. Germination is inhibited by temperatures above 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in the summer. Prefers a medium to heavy moisture retentive humus rich loam in a cool position with light to medium shade.

HARVESTED: 2022*

 
APPROX. 100+ SEEDS