PRIMROSE

Primula vulgaris. Hardy perennial



The mere name of this flower is sufficient to recall visions of spring

and perhaps of happy visits to its haunts in days gone by. But many

ardent lovers of the Primrose may not know that the strains which are

now in favour embrace a wide range of colour, from pure white to deep

crimson or maroon, various shades of yellow and orange, and rich blue.

In fact, in a batch of seedlings nearly every plant may differ from its

companions. They all agree, however, in possessing the delicate perfume

which is characteristic of the hardy woodland favourite. Fancy Primroses

are prized as pot and border flowers, and they fully reward florists for

all the care which has been devoted to their improvement. They will

bloom satisfactorily in any shady spot; but to grow them to perfection

requires a stiff moist loam, on the north side of some hedge or

shrubbery, where glimpses of sunshine occasionally play upon them. Here

large flowers, intense in colour, will be abundantly produced far into

the spring.



The finest plants are generally obtained from a February or March sowing

made in pans or boxes. Seed may also be sown from May to July in

carefully prepared ground in the open. If inclined to take some pains in

raising the plants--and they are certainly worth it--make the summer

sowings in seed-pans in ordinary potting soil; sprinkle a little sand

over the seed, and as a finish press firmly down. Sheets of glass laid

over the pans and turned daily will prevent rapid evaporation and help

to keep the soil uniformly moist. The seedlings either may be potted

once, and then be planted out, or, if strong enough, they may be

transferred straight to flowering positions. Should this mode of

procedure be considered too troublesome, prepare a shady patch of ground

by deep digging; make it firm and level, and on this sow in shallow

drills, covering the seed very lightly. A dressing of soot over the

surface, and a cordon of ashes round it, will keep off slugs. Thin if

necessary, and when the plants are strong enough, remove to their proper

quarters. In February the buds will begin to show, and those intended

for pots should be allowed to reveal their colours before they are taken

up, so that a variety may be obtained. From a retentive soil each plant

with its surrounding earth may be taken out almost exactly of the size

required, and it should be rather smaller than the pot which has to

accommodate it. A light soil must be watered the day before the

operation, or the roots will be injuriously exposed. When potted, place

the plants in a shaded cold frame or greenhouse, allowing them plenty of

space, and withhold water until it is absolutely necessary. At first

they should be kept close, but as the roots become established gradually

give air more and more freely. Cool, slow treatment is all that is

required. Any attempt to hurry the growth will only weaken the plants

and ruin the colour of the flowers. Just before the buds open, one or

two applications of manure water will be beneficial. When the display in

pots is over, if the plants are put out in a shady border, they may

flower again late in the season.