April 7, 1906 



HORTI CULTURE 



437 



Primula obconica ^randiflora 



( ai;mim:a 



EtOSI v 



The new hybridized giant flowered obconica prim- 

 roses are among the most attractive dowering plants 

 for the market florist, and doubtless fchej will become 

 widely known in the mar future. Their abundant flow- 

 ering habit, strong and willing growth during fully six 

 months and easy handling, gives them a superiority far 

 ahead of the old and well known Chinese Primula 

 sinensis; in fad it is already the rival and in a few 

 more years when better known, it will be the principal 

 primrose grown for the Christmas and Easter whole- 

 sale trade. 



Primula obconica i ; a native of Central China,, and 

 was introduced in 1882. Since that time many cross- 

 ings have been made by thorough florins. In the be- 

 ginning it seemed not to take any pollenization, until 

 in 1898, when its development came out in crossing it 

 with tlir Chinese primrose. Well known specialists 

 here and abroad, especially in Germany, have worked 

 with great devotion to improve this new hybrid, and 

 they thus far succeeded in obtaining five distinct colors 

 and two types, which all come true from seed. 



To grow obconica primroses from seed is much 

 easier than with the old Chinese primrose. The best 

 time to sow seed is from February until the end of May. 

 and a mixture of leaf mould with sharp sand will give 

 the required results. Sow the seeds carefully in low 

 pans or boxes, with plenty of drainage; sew very thinly 

 and evenly, and do not cover them at all. Place the 

 same in a proportionate moisture >'( abotil sixty degrei -. 

 and protect against full sunlight; also cover the pans 

 or boxes with glass. After the seeds germinate, take 

 the class off and cover again only during night time. 



which is to protect the little seedlings from being eaten 

 up by snails. The seeds require about two or three 

 weeks to germinate. After tin- little seedlings have 

 been twice transplanted in a mixture of light sandy 

 soil, free from any fresh manure substances, and having 

 four or more leaves, thej should he planted in two or 

 two-and-a-half-inch pots. After they have become well 

 established and well rooted, again repot in four-inch 

 pots and continuously repot until they are in six or 

 seven, even some of them in eight-inch pots; or more 

 advisable are the so-called seven or eight-inch azalea 

 pots. 



To keep obconica prii ses in a healthy and well 



- aped growth during the summer, doubtless they re- 

 quire plenty of cool air and even moisture, also careful 

 watering: therefore it is preferable during the summer 

 months to hold them in a cold frame, not deeper than 

 about twelve to eighteen inches, plunged in soil or 

 ashi s, covered with shaders made from small laths, 

 and especially protei I against full sunshine. As soon 

 as the old nights -tart bring them into the lightest 

 place in your greenhouse and let the temperature be 

 not higher than sixty degrees nor lower than forty de- 

 grees o th night time. During the winter months 

 Eul attention should be paid to the watering. 



-m^ 



