Primula Scotica

[drj123]

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.

[David Nicholson]

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.

[Maggi Young]

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

[drj123]

Thanks Dave and maggi for getting back so soon, thanks for the advice, makes good sense about the warm weather. Regards Dave.

[ian mcdonald]

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.