Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Flowering now, the first flowers to herald the start of spring are always Primroses (Primula vulgaris) which appear in clumps of low rosettes of crinkled fresh green leaves with luminously pale yellow petaled flowers with orange centres.

Known as 'May Spinks' in Scots and 'Sobrach' (joyous) in Gaelic this is by far the earliest species to flower in our fields. In the wild it can be found in woodland clearings, and roadside banks.

Primrose seeds need to experience very cold conditions, or they will not germinate, so either sow them outside in autumn, or sow seed into a tray of damp compost, place the tray in a plastic bag, in the fridge for 6-8 weeks, then keep in a warm place. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle.