Cannell & Sons’ Complete Seed Guide, 
CANNELLS’ PRIMULAS. 
Our siraiQS are well laowa to oe tie leat ii tie woiiii. 
Awarded the Highest Diplomas for our Varieties at 
the Chicago Exhibition. 
__ Come and See 
ODR PRIMULAS at SWANLEV and EYNSFORD. 
Awarded a Siluer-Gilt Medal for a Collection of Plants, and a Certificate 
MEDAL AND DIPLOMA AWARDED TO US AT CHICAGO. 
of Merit for the Strains. 
For other valuable cultural remarks, see Cyclamen, Calceolarias, and Cinerarias. 
. iB^well known that our collection, solely for seeding purposes, is the 
choicest in the world, and are throughout the Winter a si^t worth seeing, 
M the new kinds possess such brilliancy of colour that they totally eclipse 
the older ordinary rose-coloured varieties ; were it needed, we could append 
®^®*'y Horticultural Journal and other testimonials 
Keport of the Iloyal Horticultural Floral Committee Meetings.) 
HOW TO GROW PRIMULAS. 
S OW the seed in May, and again in June, on a level surface of soil, com- 
posed of two parts rotten turfy loam, one of partly rotten leaf mould, 
one of de^yed cow-manure, and a small quantity of sea-sand ; this mixture 
of soil wni do for all growths and potting. Just cover over the seed with I 
some light material (sifted cocoa-nut fibre is the best), water lightly, but I 
thoroughly, place in total darkness, and in a few days examine and give i 
light and air ; the moment the seed leaves appear gradually expose, and ' 
pnek out, as soon as they can be handled, into small pots ; shade, and at all 
timM keep them as near the glass as possible (a cold frame is the best place 
up to the first cool weather in September), slightly shade from hot sun, and 
as soon as the roots make their appearance in the drainage-hole shift into 
o or b^nch pote; be careful that this is done in a clean skilful manner, by 
not ^rtying the foliage nor injuring the roots; pot firmly, pressing the 
MU “OTO as tightly as you can with the forefinger ; be sure that the soil 
IS neither too wet nor too dry ; sprinkle well, and shade and shut up rather 
c hscly for a few days ; water with perfectly clear rain-water ; and as soon 
M the plants show the flower-stem give them weak liquid manure once a 
week, and all the moisture yon can without creating any damp or mould ; 
eep in a temperature of from 60° to 60°, and one regular moisture at the 
root IS the great secret of success, so that the soil never shows the least 
c^k or vacancy round the inside of the pot ; if this is allowed to occur, 
vigour 18 gone for the season. Often seedsmen and nurserymen are blamed 
lor sending wrong and inferior kinds, and their engravings and descriptions 
set down as puff. 
CANNELLS’ NEW DECORATIVE PRIMULAS («y. Stellata). 
The varieties we now have the pleasure of placing before our esteemed 
patrons, called Cannells* New Decorative Primulas,” are the result of 
careful and judicious cross fertilising with the Lady section and various 
; varieties of the Sinensis section. Having become fixed in character, we 
I offer them with every confidence tha .they will be found to come true and 
satisfactory from seed. Growers, however, of this new class must not be 
mistaken in thinking they will come like the old type of Primulas — t.c. , 
producing large, lumpy-looking circular flowers, carried in a most unnatural 
: manner ; but in contrast, their blossoms are of medium size, and produced 
on a spike that has three to four tiers or whorls, and carried in a most 
I graceful and oesthetic manner. They continue in bloom for months, and 
their culture is very easy and safe, forming into elegant-shaped plants, with 
I a profusion of flowers, quite in contrast to the older kinds— in fact, creating 
wonder and astonishment by their floriferousness. As a decorative plant for 
tho greenhouse and conservatory we claim them to be a decided acquisition. 
They are well worthy of a trial, and certain to give entire satisfaction. 
Royal Hortiodltural Society. — “The silver-gilt flora, the highest 
medal awarded, was taken by Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, for a 
magnificent group of Primulas.” — Daily Chronicle. 
1997 . Cannells’ Pyramidalis Grandiflora Striata— Of the same 
habit ns the Lady, foliage being of a pleasing light green ; flowers large 
pure white, evenly striped, with a pretty rosy pink, trusses being carried 
well above the foliage; very free and charming. Per pkt., 2s. 6d. ; 
smaller, Is. 6(/. 
10U8. Cannells’ Pyramidalis Nigrafolia Alba— Another grand 
break in the Primula family, the result of a cross between the Lady and 
Cannells’ White Perfection ; foliage very dark and evenly fimbriated ; 
flowers of medium size and Sinensis in type, of the purest white, and a 
great profusion of trusses. The decided contrast between the whiteness of 
the flowers and the darkness of the foliage makes it very effective, con- 
spicuous, and pleasing. A perfect gem. Per pkt. , 2s. Qd. ; smaller. Is. G</. 
1099. Cannells’ Pyramidalis Rotundaflora Alba— This is a pure 
Aarfy-type flower, a cross between the I^dy ani Eynsford White; flowers 
very round and of the purest white ; foliage light green. This variety is 
very striking and attractive, and when in full blossom is very graceful. 
Per pkt., 2s. Gd. ; smaller. Is. Gd. 
“ The Lady strain presents a much more effective display than the 
ordinary varieties.” — Gardeners' Chronicle. 
“ One of the most notable varieties of the Chinese Primula to be found 
in Messi-s. Cannell & Sons’ superb exhibit was undoubtedly that known 
as The Lady.'' — Gardeniny World. 
- . Mr. Chas. Yeo, The Gardens, Tivoli, Limerick, 1st July, 1898. 
It IS a great pleasure to me and my employer to congratulate you on the excellence of your seeds (not a single failure), although we had a very 
bad spring and the summer far from favourable. The word “ wonderful ” is great for seeds, but it is not, in our opinion, half good enough. If I 
^d time to write and tell you how I suffered before I became acquainted with your house, it would astonish you ; yes, and prices a great deal higher 
for inferior articles. You will have better orders from this way next year. 
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