86 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



R 



Primroses 



EQUIRE the same general treatment as other 

 house-plants. A good compost of leaf-mould, 

 loam, and sand is best for the first few shif tings, 

 manure being added as the plants attain size. Re- 

 peated shifting hastens blooming, while keeping the 

 plants in small pots retards it. When ready to bloom 

 they should be fine, large plants in five- or six-inch 

 pots. They should blossom in November and, if well 

 cared for, they will flower from that time on until 

 spring. In potting the Primrose care must be taken 

 to have the crown of the plant slightly above the 

 surface of the soil and the soil lowest at the edge of 

 the pot, that no water may settle around the crown 

 and cause it to rot. When the buds appear give the 

 plants diluted liquid manure once a week. As the 

 leaves of Primroses are easily injured they should be 

 placed where they will be subjected to as little han- 

 dling as possible. Window brackets make an ideal 

 place for them, as they can be turned and inspected 

 without removal, and the large velvety leaves, droop- 

 ing gracefully over the pot, will develop perfectly. 

 Injured or faded leaves should be removed at once. 

 A receptacle rather broad than deep gives opportunity 

 for the best development. A hanging-basket, milk- 

 crock with drainage hole, or jardiniere with outlet 

 will answer. Sufficient root room is particularly nec- 

 essary in the case of old plants, as these have more 



