==Primula sinensis==

==Chinese Primrose.  Greenhouse annual==

The history of the Chinese Primula since it first reached this country has an almost romantic interest.  As originally received the flower was, and now is, insignificant in size and miserably poor in colour.  But florists at once perceived in it immense possibilities.  The result of their labours, extending over many years, may be seen in the magnificent Single, Double, and Star Primulas which now adorn conservatories, greenhouses, and homes.  From so small a beginning the range of colours is amazing; there are snowy-white flowers in several beautiful forms, a pure Cambridge blue, rich violet-blue, many shades of rose, pink, scarlet, and gorgeous crimson.  Almost equally striking is the improvement in the foliage, especially the introduction of the fern-leaf, with its diverse shades of green and richly toned under-surface.

To enjoy the bloom for a long period make successive sowings in May and June.  A further sowing may be made in July if necessary.  Use new pots which have been soaked in water; but if these are not at hand, scrub some old pots clean, for Primulas are fastidious from the outset, and it is by apparent trifles that some growers produce plants so immensely superior to others treated with less care.  Provide free drainage, and place a little dry moss over the crocks.  Any fairly good rich soil will be suitable, but a mixture of equal parts of sound fibrous loam and leaf-mould, with a small addition of silver sand, is best.  Press this compost firmly into the pots to within half an inch of the top.  Water before sowing, and sprinkle sufficient sand over the surface to cover the soil.  On this sand sow evenly and thinly, for it is well known that the finest new Primula seed comes up irregularly, and a thin sowing admits of the removal of plants that may be ready, without disturbing the remainder.  Cover the seed with just enough fine soil to hide the sand, and gently press the surface.  Place the pots in a sheltered part of the greenhouse, protected from draughts and direct sunlight; a small glazed frame will be useful for this purpose.  While the seed is germinating the temperature should not rise above 70 deg., or fall below 50 deg..  Immediately the plants are large enough, prick off round the rim of small pots, and if convenient place them in a propagating box.  Water with care, and shade if necessary.  When established give air, which should be daily increased until the plants will bear placing on the greenhouse stage.  Transfer singly to thumb pots, and subsequently shift into larger sizes as may be requisite, but never do this until the pots are filled with roots, and always put the plants in firmly up to the collar.  During July, August, and up to the middle of September expose freely to the air in any convenient position where shelter can be given in unfavourable weather.

Where there is no greenhouse, but only a hot-bed, it is still possible to grow good Primulas, with care and patience.  The instructions given for treatment in the greenhouse may easily be adapted to the pit or frame, only there must be a little more watchfulness in affording shade on sunny days to prevent overheating.