PRIMROSE PRIMULA SINENSIS 259 



some pains in raising the plants and they are certainly worth it 

 sow 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 may either be potted 

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

 transferred straight to flowering positions. If this mode of procedure 

 is 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 necessary. 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, it is not unlikely they will flower again late in the season. 



PRIMULA SINENSIS 



Greenhouse annual 



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 ones clean, for Primulas are 

 scrupulous 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 sifted moss 



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