Primula auricula

Germination

Sow indoors or under glass in spring, sow into a cold frame in autumn. Indoors, surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with grit. Ideal temp. 15-22°C. Germination takes 21-40 days. Germination can be erratic taking much longer. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to 4°C, a fridge is ideal, for 4-6 weeks then return to warmth for germination. When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Can be sown into a cold frame in autumn where winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms.

Growing

Prefers moist well-drained humus rich soil in full sun. Can also be grown in pots in the Alpine house. Do not allow roots to dry out, but water less over winter.

Cultivation

Pinch off flowering head but allow stalks to die back naturally. Propagate by division. Lift and divide every two years in spring.