Ear primrose, whose varieties provide the gardener with a wide choice of variations for decorating his plot or flower bed, is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of this plant. It is also called auricula or "bear ears". This plant gained recognition back in the 18th century, when it was intensively grown in Europe. In the UK, this primrose variety has long been one of the most commonly planted and revered varieties.
Auricular primrose is grown from seeds. The whole process is simple. The indescribable beauty of this flower allows you to decorate almost any landscape.
Features
Ear primrose (flower photo below) is a separate section, which includes more than 20 hybrids and plant species.
Their characteristics are similar in basic features. Auricula is a low plant. Its woody roots look like bundles that protrude above the ground. The leaves of the plant are evergreen. They are rounded, reach a length of 10 cm. Primrose leaves are leathery and juicy, coveredlight patina.
Wild auricula still grows on the mountain slopes of the Himalayas, Tibet, alpine meadows, etc. Its original color is characterized by yellow hues. However, as a result of selection, ear primroses of pink, red, purple, white and other colors also appeared. In some cases, the bud can combine two shades at once.
Flowers of this species can be double, single and semi-double. The buds are 2 to 4 cm in diameter. Their petals are collected in umbrella-type inflorescences. Buds grow on strong peduncles. Their height can reach 25 cm. Flowering usually lasts from April to June.
Choice variety
Ear primrose, as mentioned above, includes more than two dozen varieties. To choose the best option, you need to consider their types, which are usually divided into 4 main groups.
The first category includes garden or border bear ears. Their buds consist of wavy large petals of the same tone. These are hardy plants adapted to grow in the climatic conditions of the middle latitudes of our country.
Double ear primroses are characterized by lush, velvety flowers. In this group there are plants of different shades and colors. To provide these varieties with a high level of doubleness, you will need to apply special dressings.
Alpine varieties of auricles have a characteristic color. Their center is golden, and the bud has a darker stripe and a light border. Such buds do not have the characteristic of the previousgroups of velvety plaque. Growing these varieties in the garden requires some attention from the owners of the house.
Exhibition auricles are distinguished by extravagance and capriciousness when grown. They can be found exclusively in greenhouses and at exhibitions. Such varieties have a white center and contrasting petals. Some plants in this category have strokes or even patterns on the buds. These auricles are not suitable for the climate of Russia, so you should not choose such plants for your garden.
Features of cultivation
Early primrose is grown quite easily from seeds. Planting and care (a photo of the plant is presented below) require a few simple rules. The plant prefers to grow in closed, semi-shady areas.
With sufficient watering, the auricle also feels good in open spaces.
However, do not water the plant too much. It doesn't get stuck. The site should be provided with good drainage. Mulching with gravel improves the outflow of excess moisture from the roots.
Dilution of primrose can be done in two ways. The first involves dividing the bush. However, seed propagation is more interesting. They are planted in February or March. At the same time, the ear primrose is undemanding to the soil (only sandy soil is not suitable for it). Even in a flowering state, the auricle easily tolerates a transplant.
Principles of seed propagation
Auricular primrose, the seeds of which are planned to germinate forbreeding plants on the site, characterized by rapid growth. Therefore, it is better to start the process in February or March. There is no need to rush in the issue of seed germination. The seedlings are developing rapidly. Over time, they may require quite a lot of space on the windowsill.
You can also sow seeds in open ground. This is done in the autumn immediately after they ripen. The percentage of seedlings in this case will be the highest. If the gardener purchased the seeds in the spring, stratification can be carried out. This increases the percentage of germination. To do this, the seeds are moistened with water and kept at a low temperature for several days. This may or may not be done. As soon as the snow thaws, the seeds are planted in open ground.
However, most gardeners grow seedlings from seeds. The seedlings can then be applied directly to the soil in the container where they sprouted.
Seedling breeding
Primrose auricle, the seeds of which were not planted in open ground in autumn, can be grown as seedlings in spring. Sowing is carried out in disposable dishes or special containers. They should have drainage holes.
Plastic food containers are good for planting auricular primrose seeds. From them it will be possible to create a small greenhouse. The containers are filled with ordinary soil, in which the nutrient content may be minimal. Such soil is sold in almost any specialized store. It is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers.
The soil in which the seeds will be applied must be loose. For this, special additives are added to it. It is a combination of vermiculite and perlite. They complement each other, give the maximum positive effect. You can also use sphagnum moss instead of these additives.
Vermiculite and perlite
Primrose auricle, which is grown from seeds at home, requires the correct application of soil additives. Most often, gardeners use a combination of perlite and vermiculite. They are added to the finished soil.
Perlite is of volcanic origin. For the cultivation of primrose, only a special agricultural type of this substance is used. It increases the moisture and air exchange of the soil, improves the structure of the soil. It does not cake, does not compact, which creates good drainage. The root system of the auricular primrose in this case develops evenly throughout the container.
Vermiculite is often used in the preparation of soil mix for seedlings. It prevents the formation of a hard crust on the soil surface. This supplement is also able to protect the primrose root system from temperature changes, which is extremely important in winter. Humidity and oxygen exchange are normalized. The plant develops harmoniously.
Planting seeds
Ear primrose from seeds at home is grown quite simply. Having purchased soil and additives, as well as preparing containers for sowing, you can get to work. First you need to prepare the soil mixture. Combinationvermiculite and perlite are mixed in equal proportions.
The content of additives in the soil should be about 50%. This figure depends on the size of the seeds. In the ear primrose, they are small, so a lot of perlite and vermiculite should be added. For large seeds, 20% of soil additives are sufficient.
The prepared container is filled with soil mixture. The surface can be additionally sprinkled with additives. The soil must be sprayed with water from a spray bottle. Seeds must be taken out of the package. They are conveniently laid out on paper.
With a wet toothpick, the seeds are spread on the surface of the soil, slightly pressing them into the ground. With this breeding method, stratification is not required.
Seedlings are covered with a transparent film. The temperature in the mini-greenhouse should be between 16 and 20 oC.
First shoots
The ear primrose has certain requirements for growing the first shoots. Planting and care must be carried out in accordance with these requirements. In this case, the plants develop harmoniously.
Direct sunlight should not fall on the transparent film of the greenhouse. In winter, this requirement is easy to fulfill. Sunny days during this period are quite rare. However, caution in this case still does not hurt. Until the first shoots appear, you can not pay much attention to this issue.
When the first green leaves appear on the surface of the soil, it becomes extremely necessary to shade the greenhouse. During this period, it is important to control soil moisture. The soil is notshould dry up. But excessive moisture can be detrimental to seedlings. It is best to use a spray bottle. When a couple of full-fledged leaves appear, you can gradually remove the greenhouse cover.
Picking seedlings
Ear primrose requires picking about 2-3 times. It is carried out when a few true leaves appear at the seedlings. This procedure allows you to update the air exchange at the roots, to deepen the stem. If the crops have a high density, you can dive seedlings even at the stage of the appearance of cotyledon-type leaves.
Holes in the ground are made with a pointed toothpick. It is pre-moistened in water. The seedling is carefully taken with tweezers by the cotyledon leaf. With the help of the same pointed toothpick, it is brought into the prepared hole. The seedling is buried to the base of the cotyledon leaves.
When the grown seedlings become crowded again in their container, they dive again. Weak plants are removed. Strong seedlings are brought into the prepared soil. The last transplant is done in open ground or a permanent container.
Plant care
Primrose ear, which is grown in open ground conditions, requires timely watering, as well as periodic application of mineral fertilizers. Complex dressings are used up to 4 times per season. You should also periodically loosen the soil and provide competent protection against pests.
The auriculum is planted on a permanent place of growth when the rosettes of leaves reach 3-4 cm in diameter. Flowering most often with this methodcultivation begins in the second year. Full decorativeness is achieved after 3 years.
If different varieties of primroses grow on the site, they can mutually pollinate. Therefore, to maintain the purity of the species, they should be seated separately.
Problems in cultivation
Ear primrose is susceptible to the negative effects of excessive moisture. If the weather is too rainy, it is necessary to additionally protect the plants from decay by arranging special shelters. Also, as the lower leaves and peduncles fade, they must be removed. This will also prevent the auricle from rotting. After that, earth is poured to the stem. This is especially important to do before wintering the plant.
In winter, rodents can spoil the ear primrose. To protect against pests during the cold period, sockets are covered with bottoms cut off from 5-liter bottles. On the side they make small ventilation holes. Their size should be such that the mouse cannot get under the dome to the plant.
To prevent fleas, ticks, aphids and slugs from eating auricles, special fungicides must be used. They are on sale in a wide range.
Having considered what the auricular primrose is, as well as the basics of its seed breeding, each gardener will be able to independently grow auriculum on his site.
