Ear primrose, the varieties of which provide the gardener with a wide selection of variations for decorating their plot or flowerbed, is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of this plant. It is also called auricular or "bear ears." This plant gained recognition in the XVIII century, when it was intensively grown in Europe. In the UK, this primrose variety has long been one of the most frequently planted and revered.
The cultivation of ear primrose is made 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 is presented below) is a separate section, which includes more than 20 hybrids and plant species.
Their characteristics are similar in basic characteristics. Auricular is a low plant. Its woody roots are similar to tows that protrude above the surface of the soil. The leaves of the plant are evergreen. They are rounded, reach a length of 10 cm. Primrose leaves are leathery and juicy, covered with a light coating.
A wild auricle even today grows on the mountain slopes of the Himalayas, Tibet, alpine meadows, etc. Its primordial color is characterized by yellow hues. However, as a result of selection, primrose ear-shaped pink, red, purple, white and other colors appeared. In some cases, the bud can combine two shades at once.
Flowers of this species can be double, simple and semi-double. The buds have a diameter of 2 to 4 cm. Their petals are collected in inflorescences of the umbrella type. Buds grow on strong peduncles. Their height can reach 25 cm. Flowering usually lasts from April to June.
Grade selection
Primrose ear , as mentioned above, includes more than two dozen varieties. To choose the best option, it is necessary to consider their types, which are usually divided into 4 main groups.
The first category includes garden or curb “bear ears”. Their buds consist of wavy large petals of the same tone. These are hardy plants adapted for growth in climatic conditions of the middle latitudes of our country.
Terry ear primrose characterized by lush velvety flowers. In this group, plants of different shades and colors are found. To provide these varieties with a high level of terry, you will need to apply special top dressing.
Alpine auricula varieties have a characteristic color. Their center is golden, and the bud has a darker strip and a light border. Such buds do not have a velvety plaque characteristic of the previous group. Cultivation in the garden of these varieties requires some attention from the owners of the house.
Exhibition auricles are extravagant and capricious when growing. 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.
Growing Features
Uncomplicatedly from the seeds primrose ear is grown. Planting and care (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 feels good in open spaces.
However, do not water the plant too abundantly. It does not tolerate locking. The site should provide quality drainage. Mulching with gravel can improve the outflow of excess moisture at the roots.
Dilution of primrose can be performed in two ways. The first involves the division of the bush. However, seed reproduction is more interesting. Their landing is carried out in February or March. At the same time, the ear-shaped primrose is undemanding to the soil (only sandy soil is not suitable for it). Even in the flowering state, the auricle easily transfers the transplant.
Principles of seed propagation
Primrose ear, the seeds of which it is planned to germinate for breeding plants on the site, is characterized by rapid growth. Therefore, it is better to start the process in February or March. It is not worth rushing in the issue of seed germination. Seedlings are developing rapidly. Over time, they may require a lot of space on the windowsill.
You can sow seeds in open ground. This is done in the autumn period immediately after their maturation. The percentage of seedlings in this case will be the highest. If the gardener acquired 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 low temperature for several days. This can not be done. As soon as the snow melts, the seeds are planted in open ground.
However, most often gardeners grow seedlings from seeds. Then the seedlings can be applied to the soil directly in the container where they sprouted.
Breeding seedlings
Ear primrose, whose seeds were not planted in open ground in the fall, can be grown in the form of seedlings in the spring. Sowing is carried out in disposable dishes or special containers. They should have drainage holes.
It is good for planting seeds of ear primrose suitable food containers made of plastic. From them it will be possible to create a small greenhouse. Conventional soil is poured into the containers, in which the nutrient content may be minimal. Such soil is sold in almost any specialized store. Preference should be given to trusted manufacturers.
The soil into which the seeds will be applied must be loose. For this, special additives are added to it. This is a combination of vermiculite and perlite. They complement each other, give the maximum positive effect. Sphagnum moss can also be used instead of these additives.
Vermiculite and Perlite
Ear primrose, the cultivation of which is produced at home, requires the proper use 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, an exclusively 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 condense, which creates good drainage. The root system of the ear primrose in this case develops evenly throughout the container.
When preparing an earthen mixture for seedlings, vermiculite is often used. It prevents the formation of a hard crust on the surface of the soil. This supplement is also able to protect the root system of the primrose from temperature changes, which is extremely important in the winter. Humidity and oxygen metabolism are normalized. The plant develops harmoniously.
Planting seeds
Ear primrose from seeds at home is grown quite simply. Having acquired soil and additives, as well as having prepared containers for sowing, you can begin to work. First you need to prepare the soil mixture. The combination of vermiculite with perlite is mixed in equal proportions.
The content of additives in the soil should be about 50%. This indicator depends on the size of the seeds. At the primrose of the ear, they are small, so a lot of perlite and vermiculite should be introduced. For large seeds, 20% of the additives in the soil 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 removed from the packaging. They are conveniently laid out on paper.
Wet toothpick seeds 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 from 16 to 20 o C.
First shoots
Certain requirements for the cultivation of the first seedlings have primrose ear. 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 simple 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 should not dry out. But excessive moisture can be detrimental to seedlings. It is best to use a spray gun. When a pair of full leaves appear, you can gradually remove the greenhouse cover.
Picking seedlings
Ear primrose requires picking about 2-3 times. It is carried out when several real leaflets appear near the seedlings. This procedure allows you to update the air exchange at the roots, to deepen the stem. If the crops are highly dense, seedlings can be dived at the stage of emergence of cotyledon type leaves.
Wells in the ground are made using pointed toothpicks. It is pre-wetted in water. The seedling is carefully taken with tweezers by the cotyledon leaf. Using the same pointed toothpick, it is introduced into the prepared hole. The seedling is buried to the base of the cotyledonous leaves.
When the grown seedlings become again closely in their container, they will be dived again. Weak plants are removed. Strong seedlings are applied to the prepared soil. The last transplant is performed in open ground or a permanent container.
Plant care
Ear primrose, the cultivation of which occurs in open ground, requires timely watering, as well as periodic application of mineral fertilizers. Complex top dressing is used up to 4 times per season. You should also periodically loosen the soil and provide competent protection from pests.
Auriculars are planted at a constant place of growth when the rosettes of the leaves reach 3-4 cm in diameter. Flowering most often with this method of growing occurs in the second year. Full decorative effect is achieved after 3 years.
If different varieties of primrose grow on the plot, they can be pollinated mutually. Therefore, to maintain the purity of the species, they should be seated separately.
Growing problems
Ear primrose is susceptible to the negative effects of excess moisture. If the weather is too rainy, it is necessary to additionally protect plants from decay by arranging special shelters. Also, as the lower leaves and peduncles wilt, they must be removed. It will also prevent auricular decay. After that, they add soil to the stem. It is especially important to do this before hibernating the plant.
In winter, rodents can ruin the ear primrose. To protect against pests in 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 could not penetrate under the dome to the plant.
To prevent the eating of auricula by fleas, ticks, aphids and slugs, it is necessary to use special fungicides. They are in a wide range on sale.
Having considered what the primrose ear-bud is, as well as the basics of its seed breeding, each gardener will be able to independently grow auricula in their own area.