Primula Sinensis 



flower was insignificant and the colour poor. Now we have single 

 and double flowers of many superb colours, and the individual 

 blossoms of several varieties are imposing in size. The foliage also 

 has been developed into ornamental forms, so that the plants are 

 admirable decorative subjects before a flower is visible. 



To enjoy the bloom for a long period make successive sowings in 

 May and June. A further sowing may be made in July if necessary. 

 We prefer to use new pots which have been soaked in water ; but if 

 these are not at hand, scrub some old pots clean, for Primulas are 

 fastidious from the outset, and it is by apparent trifles that some 

 growers produce plants so immensely superior to others treated with 

 less care. Provide free drainage, and place a little dry moss over 

 the crocks. Any fairly good rich soil will be suitable, but a mix- 

 ture of equal parts of sound fibrous loam and leaf-mould, with a 

 small addition of silver sand, is best. Press this compost firmly into 

 the pots to within half an inch of the top. Water before sowing, and 

 sprinkle sufficient sand over the surface to cover the soil. On this 

 sand sow evenly and thinly, for it is well known that the finest new 

 Primula seed comes up irregularly, and a thin sowing admits of the 

 removal of plants that may be ready, without disturbing the re- 

 mainder. Cover the seed with just enough fine soil to hide the sand, 

 and gently press the surface. Place the pots in a sheltered part of 

 the greenhouse, protected from draughts and direct sunlight ; a small 

 glazed frame will be useful for this purpose. While the seed is 

 germinating the temperature should not rise above 70, or fall below 

 50. Immediately the plants are large enough, prick off round the 

 rim of small pots, and if convenient place them in a propagating box. 

 Water with care, and shade if necessary. When established give 

 air, which should be daily increased until the plants will bear placing 

 on the greenhouse stage. Transfer singly to thumb pots, and sub- 

 sequently shift into larger sizes as may be requisite, but never do 

 this until the pots are filled with roots, and always put the plants in 

 firmly up to the collar. During July, August, and up to the middle 

 of September expose freely to the air in any convenient position 

 where shelter can be given in unfavourable weather. 



Where there is no greenhouse, but only a hot-bed, it is still possible 

 to grow good Primulas, with care and patience. The instructions 

 given for treatment in the greenhouse may easily be adapted to the 

 pit or frame, only there must be a little more watchfulness in affording 

 shade on sunny days to prevent overheating. 



Endeavour to give the plants a robust constitution from the 



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