Primula vulgaris 'Primrose'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Primulaceae: herbaceous perennial to 20cm, found growing in hedgerows, woodlands and shady meadows. Pale yellow flowers with deep yellow centres, appear from Feb-May. Oval, tapering, crinkly, up to 12cm long; they form a basal rosette. Widespread and fairly common throughout the country.

USES:

The young leaves can be used raw or cooked, as a potherb, added to soups etc. It has a mild flavour, though the texture can be a bit tough. The leaves are often available all year round. The flowers can also be used either raw or cooked, they can make an attractive garnish to salads, and can also be used as a cooked vegetable or in conserves etc. Picked when first opened, the flowers are fermented with water and sugar to make a very pleasant and intoxicating wine, also both the flowers and the leaves can be made into a syrup or a tea.

Primroses have a very long history of medicinal use and has been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, paralysis and rheumatic pains. They are, however, considered to be less effective than the related P. veris. The plant contains saponins, which have an expectorant effect, and salicylates which are the main ingredient of aspirin and have anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge effects. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women, patients who are sensitive to aspirin, or those taking anti-coagulant drugs such like warfarin. The roots and the flowering herb are anodyne, antispasmodic, astringent, emetic, sedative and vermifuge. An infusion of the roots is a good remedy against nervous headaches. The roots are harvested in the autumn when two or three years old and dried for later use. An ointment has been made from the plant and used for treating skin wounds.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Primrose seed requires a period of chilling to break dormancy. It therefore needs to be sown in late summer or autumn. Germination will take place the following spring. On average the first flowers appear about twenty months after germination.

HARVESTED:

APPROX. 100+ SEEDS