To ensure successful germination of your primula plants, it’s important to provide them with ample light and air. When sowing the seeds, make sure to scatter them on top of the compost without covering them with soil. For slower germinating seeds like double primroses, hose-in-hose, jack-in-the-green, auriculas, and most species, consider sowing them on a layer of vermiculite or very fine gravel over the compost. After planting, water the seeds gently with a fine rose. To protect your seeds from harsh environmental conditions, place a perforated seed tray of the same size over them and weigh it down with a rock. These simple steps will help ensure healthy and thriving primula plants.
Place the plot in a shaded area outdoors and make sure to check it regularly for moisture. Keep it adequately watered, avoiding letting the compost dry out. Once the seeds begin to sprout, take off the cover. Make sure to protect the plot from snails. Polyanthus and Primrose usually germinate within three weeks, but Auriculas takes longer, and Sieboldii may take as long as six weeks. Many of these species require natural freezing and thawing to properly start growth, so it’s important to get started as soon as possible.
To increase the chances of successful germination, it is important to ensure that the seeds are kept in a cool and moist environment. High temperatures can actually prevent the seeds from sprouting, and dehydration during the germination process can be fatal. Avoid planting the seeds under glass, even during winter, as the temperature can rise too high on sunny days. The best temperature for germination is between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, and anything above 18 degrees can be deadly. It is recommended to never use a heated propagator when trying to grow seeds.
