I have one that just flowered from seeds I started a couple of years ago. Very cute show-auricula (the source was, anyway). Let's see if I remember what I did. I believe the seeds need cold stratification, from what I've read, but I wintersowed them anyway. You can give them a cold period by using the baggy method in your fridge. If I remember correctly, they did germinate before the weather went warm, and it didn't take too long either. They are quite easy to start.

And, yes, you can put them in the ground if you like, as long as the soil retains moisture and it's in shade. However, I seem to remember reading somewhere that auriculas are slug-bait, so pots might be safer. I have mine in 4" pots, and they are perfectly happy. In zone 8 here, they are essentially evergreen. Hope this helps somewhat.

Primula auricula, Sow at 18-22ºC (64-71ºF) for 2-4 wks, move to -4 to +4ºC (24-39ºF) for 4-6 wks, move to 5-12ºC (41-53ºF) for germination (Clothiers)

Here is a link that might be useful: Primrose from Seed APS

P. auricula don't need a cold treatment but they don't germinate well in warm conditions. Above the 60F on the instructions you will have poor results. You will still get good germination at lower temperatures, 50F or even less.

The seed can be covered, or not, but only cover very slightly because the seed is tiny. It needs to be quite moist but not waterlogged. You can keep the pots outdoors (preferably frost-free) but don't try to direct sow in the garden because the seed is really picky about needing constant cool moist conditions.

No sun. Direct sun will fry tiny seedlings and it won't do adult plants much good either. The warmth from the sun will also prevent the seeds germinating.

You can put established plants in the garden if you want although they need a cool spot which doesn't dry out too much. They are essentially evergreen but will die out in hot dry summers, to come back (hopefully) when it cools down. Sometimes they will lie dormant until the spring rains. The adult plants appear almost succulent, and they do prefer better drainage than some other Primulas, but they still need cool roots and regular water.

I have just purchased some Primula Auricula seeds from ebay, ive always wanted to grow them but they are VERY hard to find in Canada.

My question is,, do you have to start them at a cretin time of year? Its September right now, can I start em now? If so what do I have to do?

Thanks a bunch
Mattyj

I found this site which should help you with your auriculas:
http://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/
I saw a program on tv in which these beautiful flowers are grown inside or in heated greenhouses or in the hot season, in the garden in some sheltered place where no direct sun ray will plunge on them. They are usually showed on a black background so that their colors will burst out and also, it is said to put mirrors at both ends of the showing shelves so that they will seem to be multiplied indefinitely. Eventually, I would love to get myself some seeds of those. Good luck with your seeds and send some pictures of them when in full bloom!