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Re: [PRIMROSES] Starting seeds

Hi,

Wether or not Primula seeds need cold treatment to germinate, depends on
which species you have. Some need  cold treatment, others germinate well at
normal room temperature. I've germinated a lot of primulas, but never P. veris.

A German seed catalog describes the method for P. veris as follows: The
sowing must be kept warm, about 64 to 72F, and moist for the first 2 weeks.
Then at cold temp. 25 to 39F for another 4 to 6 weeks after which
germination will take place. It's benificial to leave under snow cover
during the cooling period. After germination keep seedlings at 41 to 54F.


There is also a very good Seed Germination Database at this adress
http://www.home.sol.no/asles
This one says P. veris germinate well and rapidly at 68F.

So obviously there is some disagreement here.

If you have enough seeds, try both and tell us which comes out the best.


Magnar

>I recently joined the American Primrose Society and
>receved their Welcome letter and some Primula veris seeds.
>
>Generally I start seeds in 2 inch pots covered with
>clear plastic using a mixture of equal parts of peat
>moss, perlite and vermiculite with a small amount of
>lime where needed and the whole thing moistened with
>a 20-20-20 fertilizer solution.  I spray the seeds
>lightly when I start them.
>
>I try to put 1 seed per pot because this simplifies
>transplanting and allows me to control growing conditions
>for each plant.  This seems to meet almost all the growing
>conditions outlined in the growing instructions.
>
>My question concerns the growing conditions in the
>instructions:
>
>     "Set the containers outside or in a cold frame
>      so that the seed is exposed to temperature
>      extremes."
>
>How important is this?
>
>The outside temperature here in New Jersey in Nov./Dec.
>varies between 20F to 50F.  I have a heated "alpine"
>house that I keep about 50F and a light garden that
>stays between 65F to 70F.
>
>Can I leave the seeds in the light garden or would
>it be better to cycle the seeds temperature extremes
>until they germinate?
>
>I've never grown Primulas from seeds and the only
>primulas I have grown are P. japonicas so I have
>a lot to learn.
>
>Del
>
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Snail mail:                       Garden in North Norway
Magnar Aspaker                    69 degrees north
Kila                              Temp Max 28C Min -16C
N-9438 Breivika                   Homepage:http://www.aspaker.no/magnar
Norway
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