260 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



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

 mixture 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. AVhile 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 ; these do best when placed 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 

 first, for weak rickety things cannot produce a satisfactory bloom. 

 Primulas need a long period of growth before they flower ; hence 

 they should never be subjected to a forcing temperature. Sufficient 

 heat must be provided to raise the plants, but afterwards the aim 

 should be to render Primulas as nearly hardy as possible before cold 

 weather sets in. There must, however, be ample protection against 

 frost, damp, and cutting winds. 



Three very elegant varieties of garden Primula, P. obconica, 

 P. japonica and P. rosea, are worthy of attention. Sow in pots or 

 pans in summer and place them in a cool house or pit until the seed- 

 lings are ready for separate pots, prior to the transfer to open ground. 

 The seed germinates slowly and irregularly. 



