Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Specific Families and Genera => Primula => Topic started by: drj123 on May 09, 2018, 08:57:42 PM
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Hi everyone, my name is Dave, not been on the site very long but have seen some great stuff already. Can anyone help me here. I have a Primula scotica, I am pretty sure it is setting seed, it flowered in its second season. If I am lucky to get seed, would I need to store it, and when and how would it best be planted. Regards Dave Jordan, bye the way, I live in Bristol if that helps.
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Hello drj, I'm really no expert but I'd be tempted to save the seed until September before sowing them when temperatures are beginning to cool.
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Hello Dave! Here in Aberdeen I'd sow the Primula scotica seed as soon as you harvest it, when the capsule looks about to burst. A slightly acidic mix is helpful - but loam and sand mix with some ericaceous compost will achieve that. Only cover the seed very lightly and put the pots in a cool place to germinate. Down there in the South West I'd think a shady north wall or under a hedge would be a suitable place to keep the pot cool. If you have a spot that doesn't get above about 15 degrees but is slightly sunny, that would be okay. If it gets hotter, then I'd go for a shadier spot. Keep the compost moist and with a bit of luck, the seed will germinate in about a month - though it can take longer. If you cannot provide a cool spot, then waiting till Autumn is a better idea and saves the over-wintering problem for tiny plants.
Once you got little ones growing, take care to protect them from slugs. Don't be in a hurry to prick them out too soon. Better to let them grow a bit- to have four leaves, to gain some strength first. The plants will not tolerate heat - much like other Scots! Moist soil but well drained is essential.
Hope this helps. Maggi
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Thanks Dave and maggi for getting back so soon, thanks for the advice, makes good sense about the warm weather. Regards Dave.
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Dave, the natural habitat for P. scotica is on sand at the coast. Bare ground or very short turf seems to be best. That is where I have seen the plants in the wild.