code: 594
The basal rosettes make the most spectacular
Family: Primulaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 30 cm
Maximum Height: 50 cm
This is an especially generous packet of these lovely candelabra-type plants that shoot up numerous strong stems bearing tiers of blossoms in all colours from white to red. The basal rosettes make the most spectacular, cabbage-like giants when well-fed or in moist soil. Being bone hardy they increase in size yearly and will even self-seed, but never ever become a problem.
Sowing advice:
Primula seeds may be sown at any time onto a loam-based compost, barely cover so that around 50% are still visible. Best germination temperatures are between 10 and 15 degrees C. (e.g. a cool, northerly window sill) PLEASE NOTE: Temperatures exceeding 15 C can prevent germination, and above 20 C expect very little germination as most seeds will go dormant as a protective measure. Germination takes between 3 to 6 weeks, sometimes taking much longer.
Cultivation:
The important factor is that the roots should not dry out, so incorporate plenty of organic matter when you plant, mulch well in autumn and spring and water regularly if they are in the open.
Cut back after flowering. Once established, they benefit from being lifted and divided every two years in early spring.
Allow this Primula to seed down and you will get a colourful array of seedlings to carpet the moist area.
Plant Uses:
Shade and Woodland Gardens. Bog, ponds and streams. Wildlife and Pollinators.
