Barnhaven has been in existence as a primula and polyanthus breeder for more than sixty years now, and we are very proud of its traditions. Our primulas are grown to be hardy. They are over-wintered on benches in open-sided tunnels which give protection from rain, but leave them exposed to cold. All our pollinating is done by hand in these tunnels and it takes a fair amount of dedication to spend days at a time with only fingers moving in cold, windy and damp weather. As the pods start to swell, there is a long battle against caterpillars, aphids, rots, birds and mice.
Seed pods are picked singly and it takes skill and experience to harvest at the optimum moment. Once they have dried, seed is extracted from the pods by hand. All seed is stored under refrigeration until the moment of despatch.
The amount of seed we have available varies considerably depending on weather and pollinating factors. There is a minimum number of 35 seeds per packet (except where stated otherwise) but there are usually many more and we try to be generous when we can.
Please follow our growing instructions carefully, and please keep your seeds in the fridge if you are not sowing immediately.
We want you to love our primulas and polyanthus flowers as much as we do and we take enormous care to ensure that your seeds reach you in good condition. Please follow our growing instructions carefully.
Although a major part of our business is seed production, over the last five years we have developed our plant sales so that we now carry good stocks of most series. Our collection of show and garden auriculas has also greatly increased and we can now offer a large selection.
We sell direct from our nursery, at plant shows and by mail order.
Our special plant packaging enables us to ensure that your plants arrive in excellent condition. Each packet contains three plants in 9cm pots.(see below for named auriculas) These are mature plants with established rooting systems ready to be planted into the ground or window boxes and containers.They have been grown in open tunnels, exposed to wind and frost and therefore will not fear the open garden.
These are sent out in 7 cm pots and can be quite safely left in them to further develop. If you wish to change their pot do not be tempted to use one too large as auriculas are happier with their roots somewhat restricted. Named auriculas are often cosseted a little in cold greenhouses or frames to protect them from excessive wet. However the alpines, borders and doubles could be safely planted out if you wish in well-drained soil.Avoid water-logging at all costs.
For some countries such as the United States we are obliged to send plants bare-rooted with a phyto-sanitary certificate. The plants travel well this way, but we cannot be responsible for any delays caused by customs.If you live outside Europe please contact us before ordering plants.
It greatly helps if you order in multiples of 3, not necessarily of the same variety. Orders are dealt with in the order received and are generally despatched at the beginning of the week following reception of the order, unless there are adverse weather conditions.
Plants are sent by post (Colissimo 48 hrs within France). Please inform us within 3 days of receipt of any damage on arrival. No responsibility can be accepted for failure after planting.
© Barnhaven Primroses - 11 rue du pont blanc - 22310 Plestin Les Grèves | Tél. / Fax: +33 02 96 35 68 41 | info@barnhaven.com