Propagating Primula

Fill 2-inch planting containers with a commercial seed starting mix. Moisten the seed starting mix lightly with a spray bottle.

Sprinkle a pinch of primula seeds on the top of the moist seed starting mix. Cover the seeds with no more than 1/8 inch of vermiculite or perlite.

Place the planting containers outdoors where they are protected from strong wind and winter sunlight. A spot under a shrub or against the north side of a building offers adequate protection.

Cover the planting containers with a piece of mesh or an old window screen. The mesh keeps hard rain and wind from dislodging the seeds.

Look for the seeds to germinate by March or April. At that point, moisten the seed starter by placing the pots in a pan or tray with about 1 inch of water.

Remove the pots from the water and allow the seed starter to drain until the substance is evenly moist but not soggy. If the seed starter is already wet, moistening isn't required.

Fill a planting tray with general-purpose commercial potting soil.

Remove the clumps of seedlings from the pots. Use your fingers to gently pull the clumps apart into individual seedlings.

Plant the seedlings in the planting tray, allowing at least 1 inch between each seedling. Place the seedlings in moderate sunlight. Mist as needed to keep the potting soil slightly, but consistently damp.

Move the primula seedlings into individual, 4-inch planting containers when the seedlings are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall. Continue to keep the soil slightly moist.

Plant the primula outdoors in autumn.