Cowslip is a native perennial plant that is fairly rare in the Netherlands. In the wild it still occurs in South Limburg and in other calcareous areas. Originally, cowslip comes from Europe and parts of Western Asia. Cowslip is a member of the primrose family (Primulaceae), just like for example: Scarlet Pimpernel, Chickweed Wintergreen, Oxlip, Water Violet, Creeping Jenny and Chickweed Wintergreen (Trientalis). Cowslip is also called common cowslip, Paigle and Key flower. It is one of the first flowering plants in spring. Cowslip flowers with small golden-yellow bell-shaped flowers with orange spots inside the flower. These flowers hang together downward in a cluster on leafless stems. The flowers have a pleasant, slightly sweet fragrance. They are surrounded by narrow, elongated, wrinkled leaves that grow in a rosette close to the ground. Cowslip prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with calcareous, well-drained soil that remains slightly moist. It can be found for example along woodland edges, in roadside verges, on open slopes and in grasslands.
Cowslip is also used in herbal medicine. It is used for example for coughs and colds, as an expectorant, as a calming remedy for sleep problems (herbal tea), for headaches, for rheumatism and for dizziness. It should be noted that consuming large amounts of this plant may cause stomach complaints and nausea. Some people may be allergic to the plant and skin irritation can also occur. Pregnant women are advised not to use this plant. Cowslip is also a popular garden plant and fits well in natural gardens and flower-rich meadows. The flowers and young leaves are edible and can be used for example in salads, soups and as edible decoration for various dishes. Cowslip flowers from March or April until May or June. It can self-seed. This plant is very attractive to bees, bumblebees and other beneficial insects. Because of its early flowering, it is an important source of nectar and pollen in spring. Hardy perennial. Height: 15 - 30 cm.
Stratification: 21 - 28 days (3 - 4 weeks)
Indoor sowing: February - March
Outdoor sowing: Juni - September
Germination: 14 - 56 days (2 - 8 weeks)
Germination temp.: 10 - 15 C°
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 20 - 30 cm
Plant position: slightly moist with half shade
Flowering period: March or April - May or June (in the 2nd year after sowing)
Harvesting period: April - May
It is recommended to stratify the seeds of Cowslip before sowing. This mimics natural conditions and ensures better germination. There are two ways to do this:
1. Place the seeds mixed with some moist sand or soil in a plastic bag. Put the bag in the refrigerator for 3 till 4 weeks. Let the seeds slowly return to room temperature before sowing them. After this, sow the seeds at a suitable temperature.
2. Sow the seeds outdoors in the garden after summer (as soon as the seeds are ripe). This allows the seeds to undergo a natural stratification period. This method is especially suitable for places where winters are cold.
From February onwards, seeds can be sown indoors in a tray filled with moist potting soil, for example a mixture of potting soil and sand. Sow thinly and on the surface. Gently press the seeds down. Cowslip is a light germinator. Ensure sufficient light. Keep the temperature as stable as possible and especially don't allow the temperature to drop at night. A stable temperature promotes good germination. Cover the trays with a lid. It is important to be patient because germination can take 14 - 56 days (2 till 8 weeks).
Remove the lid once the seedlings emerge. Transplant the seedlings into separate small pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. From early May, place the seedlings outside during the day for 10 - 14 days to harden them off. After this, from mid-May onwards, once there is no longer any risk of night frost, the seedlings can be planted in a moist, bright place with partial shade. Keep the plants 20 - 30 cm apart. Keep the soil moist and free of weeds. Water the plants well, especially during dry periods.
Outdoor sowing is possible from June through September. In this way the seeds receive a natural stratification period. Sow in a moist location with some sun and partial shade. Thin the seedlings to a distance of 20 - 30 cm once they are large enough to handle. Keep the area moist and free of weeds.
This spring-flowering plant flowers from March or April until May or June. The flowers can be harvested from April onwards. Cowslip is edible. The flowers can be used in salads, soups and as decoration in various dishes. The young leaves of this plant are also edible.
