Deno’s GardenMy Garden

Primula veris

Cowslip · Cowslip Primrose · English Cowslip

Family PrimulaceaeGenus Primula

A rosette of ribbed leaves throwing up one stalk with a nodding cluster of yellow bell flowers, each cupped in a pale green calyx.
The whole plantAvetisyan AniCC BY-SA 4.0

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

The plant

Habit
PerennialExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit
perennialPlants of the World Online
Flower
Gold/YellowExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms
SpringExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range
Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones
5-8Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Growing conditions

Sun
Partial ShadeExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture
Good Drainage, MoistExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Worth knowing

  • Cowslip may come from the Old English for cow dung, probably because it often grew among the manure in cow pastures. Wikipedia: Primula veris

This source reports 9 treatments. All are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around September 17, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 16, 2026.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  2. Cold moist stratification

    Temperature: 40°F 4°C

about 6 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

100% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around September 17, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 16, 2026.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  2. Cold moist stratification

    Temperature: 40°F 4°C

about 6 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

100% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 3

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

No stated waiting before sowing. Then 28 days to germinate.

95% germination in 7–28 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 4

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around February 1, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Cold moist stratification

    Temperature: 40°F 4°C

Germination happens during step 1, in 63 days.

80% germination in 21–63 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 5

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 22, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Gibberellic acid soak

  2. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

No stated waiting before sowing. Then 14 days to germinate.

76% germination in 14 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 6

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around December 15, 2026 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    30 germinated in this phase.

  2. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  3. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    20 germinated in this phase.

Steps after step 2 run on after germination.

about 3 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

46% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 7

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    25 germinated in this phase.

Steps after step 1 run on after germination.

Germination happens during step 1; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

45% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 8

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around September 17, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 16, 2026.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    20 germinated in this phase.

  4. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    10 germinated in this phase.

Steps after step 2 run on after germination.

about 6 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

40% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 9

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around June 19, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on June 18, 2026.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    22 germinated in this phase.

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  4. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    7 germinated in this phase.

Steps after step 3 run on after germination.

about 9 months from start to step 3. Germination happens during step 3; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

27% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Primula p. 197Public domain
Show the original text
Primula. (Primulaceae). The discovery of a photorequirement in P. veris (V) is one of the few Primulas that sets seed naturally and self sows here. Although DS is not essential for germination, it improves germination. The DS occurs naturally to some extent as the seeds are retained in the capsule long after the capsule has dried. For example a sample collected in November germ. 70D(95% in 1-4 w), 70D GA-3(76% in 2nd w), and 40(80% in 3-9 w). A sample collected in August germ. in a more extended manner, 70(30%)-40(46%)-70(20%) and 40(45%)-70(25%). When this latter sample was DS 6 m at 70, it germ. 70(40%)-40(20%)-70(10%) and 40(100%), and when DS 6 m at 40, it germ; 70(22%)-40(27%)-70(7%) and 40(100%).
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Primula p. 197. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

How each step is done, in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.

Germination trials

Readers’ own records of sowing this species, published after review. Share your trial · All trials

Add to My Garden

View species page