![]() Bringing Primula enthusiasts together since 1941.If you are looking for general flower growing articles, you can check out the Green Pinky Most questions are answered very quickly by folks that are actually involved in growing auriculas. A seedling from a named variety cannot be called by the name of either of the parent plants, no matter how closely it may resemble the parent. Seeds from nearly all auriculas will be hybrids and can come up as virtually any color combination. It generally is not necessary to be a seed donor to take advantage of the exchange programs. Also, the American Primrose Society makes seeds available to membersthrough a seed exchangeprogram. If you have the pioneer spirit, there are sources for plants and seeds listed on the links page. These can be show quality plants also, but they tend to be hardier and easier to care for.Īuriculas can occasionally be found in larger garden centers, but it is most likely that they will be found at specialist nurseries and garden sales if they are grown in your area. It is probably best for beginners to look for plants labeled as “garden” or “border” auriculas. It is safe to say that most folks are first taken by auriculas after seeing pictures of some of the show plants. Frankly, the flowers can be equally pretty, and in the garden, it doesn’t matter whether one is looking at a thrum or a pin. The terms are particularly relevant to those who are growing or breeding plants for show as pins are not allowed on the bench for judging. A pin is a plant where the pistil is prominently visible and the anthers are recessed. The thrum is a plant where the anthers are prominently visible and the pistil is recessed as one looks directly at the flower. These terms are referring to the anther and the pistil of the flower. What is meant by a “thrum” or a “pin” in reference to the auricula? With a trough it is a simple matter to offer plants a different soil mix, different drainage, different moisture and even different shade than immediately surrounding plants. ![]() A trough for many gardeners is an excellent way to provide a unique environment for plants that may not otherwise fit into one’s garden. It is also a sad fact that many of the show auriculas have virtually had the hardiness bred out of them so they require considerable extra attention. ![]() If this farina is touched by rain, it can destroy the appearance of a flower or plant. Many of the plants have a coating of farina (a white or yellowish meal) that is important to their show worthiness. Plants that are grown for show must be protected from the weather at all costs. There are a lot of types and sizes of auriculas. Why are so many references made to growing auriculas in a greenhouse, under glass or in a trough if they do well outdoors? Growers generally add grit in the form of coarse sand and/or fine gravel to their potting or garden soil. They do not tolerate acidity and want neutral to slightly alkaline soil. What are the soil requirements for auriculas?Īuriculas thrive in a moist, well drained soil. If you have an area of your yard where fuchsias and begonias will grow without being sun burnt, it is probably worthwhile to try some auriculas, but be sure to read further. In most areas they are considered to be a shade or partial shade plant.Ĭan auriculas be grown in the open garden? Their weakness is that they do not tolerate heat or excessive moisture well. Lift and divide every two years in spring.How long have auriculas been in cultivation?Īuriculas are exceptionally cold tolerant. Pinch off flowering head but allow stalks to die back naturally. Do not allow roots to dry out but water less over winter. Prefers a damp soil with plenty or added organic matter in partial sun. 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. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. ![]() When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots and grow on. Move to 4☌, a fridge is ideal, for 4-6 weeks then return to warmth for germination. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Germination can be erratic taking much longer. Indoors, surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Sow indoors or under glass in spring, sow into a cold frame in autumn.
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