 |
The Gardener's Almanac |  |
||||
| Index | FAQ's | Links | Photos | Guest book | ||
| Primula |
|
|
|
The Primula species fits basically into three categories, namely alpine primula, border primula, and indoor primula as seen here;
The most common of these species are;
allioni;
This species forms 50mm(2") high hummocks and spreads to around 150mm (6") diameter.
The 25mm wide flowers, one or two to a stem appear in March/April.
Winter dampness may damage the leaves, so it is better to grow this species in an alpine house.
auricula;
This species forms clusters of 20mm (3/4") diameter flowers in umbels from March to may and grows to around 150mm (6") high with a similar spread.
denticulata;
The Drumstick primrose is a vigorous perennial that is suited to growing in the border, rockery or as a pond marginal plant.
It grows approximately 300mm (12") high and should be planted out at 250mm centres.
It bears numerous 50-75mm globular flowers from March to May.
vulgaris;
Polyanthus; this is a hybrid originating from vulgaris and can be used as a border or pot plant.
It is a compact plant that grows approximately 200mm(8") high, and should be planted out at 250mm(10") centres, the clusters of 25mm diameter flowers are produced in March to April.
malacoides;
The fairy primrose is a perennial generally grown as an annual.
The whorls of 12mm(1/2") diameter star like flowers are produced from December to April on slender 400-500mm(16"-18") stems.
obconica;
Another perennial that is generally grown as an annual.
It grows to around 400mm(16") high and the stems carry clusters of 25mm diameter flowers from December to May.
n.b. Some people get a painful allergic action from touching the leaves so it is recommended that gloves be worn when handling this plant.
pulvetrulenta;
Is of the 'Candelabra group and can grow to a height of 900mm (36")
The flowers appear during June-July.
Cultivation;
Indoor species;
Plants should be grown initially, in 75-100mm pots then into 125mm pots of J. Innes No2 (or equivalent) in October.
As the flower stems start to lengthen, give regular weekly high potash liquid feeds.
Keep the plants moist at all times, and at a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F)
Outdoor species;
This specie requires a fertile soil that is not subject to drying out in summer, therefore copious amounts of well rotted manure should be added prior to planting out.
A dressing of bonemeal spread at a rate of 4oz/sq metre should also be added at this time.
Propagation;
Week 8; Sow commercially purchased seeds on the surface of seed compost, then cover the containers with sheets of glass or polythene to preserve humidity and germinate at a temperature of about 16°- 18°C (60 °- 64 °F).
n.b. Temperatures must not exceed 18°C (64°F)
After germination cover the chitted seed with a fine layer of vermiculite and keep the compost moist and the seedlings lightly shaded.
Prick off the seedlings, when they are large enough to handle, into 75mm(3") pot of potting compost, and grow on in a coldframe until planting out time.
Week 24; All primula seeds germinate best when they are fresh, so collect seed from established plants as soon as they are ripe.
Sow collected seeds on the surface of seed compost, then cover the containers with sheets of glass or polythene to preserve humidity and place in a coldframe to germinate.
n.b. named varieties will not come true.
Germination will take about three weeks
After germination keep the compost moist and the seedlings lightly shaded.
Prick off the seedlings, when they are large enough to handle, into 75mm (3") pot of potting compost, and grow on in a coldframe until planting out time.
Week 26; Divide established plants after flowering and plant directly into their flowering positions.
Week 35; Pot up plants to flower indoors in winter and early spring, and place in a coldframe until it is time to fetch them indoors.
Grow pot plants in 150mm (6") pots of potting compost.
Begin regular weekly liquid feeds when the buds appear.
Week 36; Prepare bed by breaking up the soil thoroughly before planting, and digging in well rotted manure and finally raking in a balanced fertiliser at a rate of 100gms(4oz) per sq metre.
Week 38; Plant between now and March, in sun or partial shade.
Border varieties require fertile garden soil that does not dry out in spring and summer.
Keep the soil moist in dry weather, by overhead spraying.
Mulching with peat preserves moisture.
Week 45; For early flowering fetch pot plants indoors, site them where they can get maximum light, but not direct sunlight, and maintain a temperature of 10—13°C (50-55°F)
Plants can be divided after flowering, and planted directly into their new flowering positions.
Basal cuttings can be taken from auricula by taking 40-50mm shoots in June-August and inserting in 50-50 mixture of multipurpose compost and sharp sand then placing them in a cold frame.
When rooted pot up into 90mm diameter pots of Ji No1 potting compost and grow on in the cold frame till planting out time the following spring.
About this Site © The Gardener's Almanac 2005 Top of page