CAS ea ae ete 
Primroses, like other perennials, thrive when put in approximate- 
ly the right situation, in a soil that is well drained and rich in humus 
and organic plant food. They need less sun and more water than 
most perennials. No plant responds more quickly to an occasional 
light cultivation or other maintenance work. 
PLANT FOODS—Plant your Primroses with the previously 
described situations in mind in deeply dug, well drained garden soil 
which has had leaf mold, well rotted barnyard manure, compost, or 
like material thoroughly worked into it. Raw bonemeal is an ex- 
cellent plant food which supplies nutriment over a long period and 
which is therefore suited to the slower growing Primulas such as 
Auriculas and other European alpines. It is slightly alkaline in 
reaction and may dull blue shades but beautify pink. For special 
drainage notes on Auriculas see page 13. The color of blue Prim- 
roses is intensified by higher soil acidity, and by planting in more 
shade than other colors. Blues usually bloom off-color in the fall and 
very often change color when dug and shipped, returning to their 
true shade each spring. For additional tips on growing double Prim- 
roses see page 8. Julianas should have good soil but little or no 
fertilizer to keep them in character. Asiatics prefer leaf soil, compost 
or just good garden soil. 
Planting—Primroses need room to insure free air circulation. 
Polyanthus, Acaulis, Doubles and Auriculas should be planted about 
a foot apart; Julianas may have less space because of smaller leaves, 
and pede tendency to mat; large Asiatics like about 18 inches in which 
to spread. 
Plants shipped long distances usually arrive with leaves crisp and 
flowers fresh. Before planting, shake out the roots and, if the 
weather is warm or windy, remove all large leaves leaving only the 
small young ones. Plant fairly deep so that the crown of the plant 
rests firmly in the top soil, but allow no soil to lodge in the crowns. 
Pack the soil firmly around the roots. Water in and keep well 
watered and shaded until plants begin to grow, usually in from ten 
days to two weeks. If plants are delayed en route and have wilted, 
remove all large leaves and blossoms and place roots in a pan of 
water in the shade out of the wind until plants recover. 
Primroses are easily transplanted any time during the growing 
season from early spring to fall but not in the winter. The latest 
date transplanting can be done with safety is about a month before 
frost suspends growing weather. This allows the plants time to root 
and establish. 
Watering—Water deeply by soaking the ground thoroughly, and 
when possible, cultivate lightly the next day to hold moisture at roots. 
Keep soil cool and moist all summer and water in the cool of evening. 
Dividing-——About every two years, or whenever the plant grows 
into a crowded clump and flowers diminish in size, Polyanthus and 
single and double Acaulis should be lifted, the crowns separated, 
roots cut back with a sharp knife to three or four inches, large leaves 
removed, and the divisions re-set in freshly dug and enriched soil. 
This is best done any time after flowering up to early fall depending 
upon convenience, weather conditions, watering facilities and whether 
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