Auricula 'Pot o' Gold' Primula auricula 'Pot o' Gold' (Au/s)

Water

Auricula primroses, including 'Pot o' Gold', prefer consistently moist soil and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering them every few days, depending on environmental conditions. Avoid watering directly onto the foliage or flowers, as this can promote fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil directly at the base of the plant. Depending on the size of the pot and the weather, use about 8-16 ounces of water each time you water, ensuring you adjust the amount during hotter or drier periods, as the plant may require more frequent waterings.

Light

Auricula primroses like 'Pot o' Gold' thrive in partial shade, avoiding the harsh midday sun which can scorch their delicate petals. They do best in a spot that receives morning light or filtered sunlight throughout the day. An east or north-facing garden location is ideal for providing the light conditions that these plants prefer.

Temperature

Auricula primroses, such as 'Pot o' Gold', perform well in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. They can tolerate short periods outside this range, with a minimum survival temperature around 40°F and maximum around 80°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of 50°F to 75°F could stress the plant and affect its growth and flowering.

Pruning

Auricula primroses, including 'Pot o' Gold', should be pruned to remove dead or fading flowers and leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health. Pruning is best done after the main flowering period in late spring or early summer. Regular deadheading will also prolong blooming and help to prevent disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Auricula Primrose prefers well-draining, gritty soil with added organic matter. A mix of one part coarse sand or perlite, one part garden loam, and one part peat or humus works well. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Auriculas should be repotted every year or two, preferably after they have finished blooming in the spring or early summer, to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Auricula Primrose thrives at moderate humidity levels, avoiding both very dry and excessively moist atmospheres. A humidity level around 40-60% is ideal for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a bright spot, avoiding direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, sheltered from wind and rain.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Auricula 'Pot o' Gold' begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed from the parent plant, typically germinating when conditions are moist and cool. Upon germination, seedlings develop roots and a rosette of leaves during the vegetative growth phase. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in the spring, producing distinctive gold-colored flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, seeds develop within the flowers, and once mature, they are released into the environment to complete the cycle. In some cases, Auricula 'Pot o' Gold' can also propagate vegetatively through offsets, which are small copies of the parent plant. Over time, the plant may go dormant, especially in colder climates, only to emerge again with new growth the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Auricula, which is referred to as Primula auricula 'Pot o' Gold' in botanical terms, can be propagated most effectively from offsets. The optimal time for this process is usually in the late summer, after the blooming period has ended. Offsets are small shoots that develop around the base of the plant, equipped with their own set of roots. To propagate using offsets, carefully separate them from the parent plant, making sure to keep the roots intact. After separation, the offsets should be planted in their own small pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. It's important to maintain moist soil and provide indirect light until the offsets have established themselves, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the new Auricula plants have shown signs of growth, indicating that they have taken root successfully, they can be treated as mature plants.