No. of Seeds: 35
Germination Temp: 15+C, germinate cool - if too warm germination is inhibited.
Ideal Plant Spacing: For this variety ideal plant spacing is 20cm apart, or 6 in a 35cm container.
Sow Seeds from:
Polyanthus Seeds have a pretty narrow time frame for sowing. Basically sow from June for plants to plant out in the autumn, to the first half of July for .
How To Successfully Grow Polyanthus From Seed
Polyanthus provide dazzling displays of colours throughout the spring and are a favourite choice for beds, window boxes, planters and containers of all shapes and sizes. These extremely hardy plants can withstand the severest of winters and will often bounce back whatever the weather throws at them. They are also quite resilient against many pests and diseases, sending up new leaves from virtually nothing. Their dark green, textured foliage makes for a beautiful contrast against the striking colours of yellow, red, blue and white with just about every shade in between. Polyanthus is a naturally occurring hybrid between the primrose (primula vulgaris) and the cowslip (primula veris). They are very easy to grow from seed.
Growing Polyanthus from seed
Polyanthus are perennial and will flower in the following year of which they are sown from seed. For best results, seeds can be sown in trays or pots under cover during February, March and April. A cool temperature is better for germination, so a cold greenhouse, cold frame or kitchen windowsill is ideal. Fill pots or trays with seed compost and apply water to ensure the surface is wet. Lightly sow the seed over the surface but do not cover with compost. Germination is usually between 10 and 21 days. When the seedlings have 4 true leaves and are large enough to handle, pot them on into 7.5cm pots of potting compost and move them outside. Keep the plants watered during dry spells. Plant out into their permanent positions during September and October, where they will flower the following April to June.
Alternatively, you can sow the seeds later in June or July in pots or trays outdoors. Choose a shady position and cover the trays with glass or clear polythene. Do not allow the trays to dry out. Transplant to 7.5cm pots or modular trays filled with potting compost when large enough to handle. Plant out to permanent positions in late September or during October.
Aftercare
Keep the plants watered during dry spells. Remove any dead flowers or yellowing leaves as they appear. After the plants have finished flowering they can be replanted and allowed to naturalise.
Pests and diseases
Slugs can be a problem especially when the plants are young. Use beer traps or spread crushed egg shells or coarse sand around the plants to discourage the pests. Over watering or very close planting can cause grey mould (Botrytis) but polyanthus, like all primulas, can also be affected by leaf spot. Fungicides are available as a treatment.
