Growing Primrose Flowers Indoors

Botanical Name: Primula species and hybrids

Out of the hundreds of species of primrose flowers, there are just a few that are available from florists mid-winter and grown as house plants.

English primrose (P. polyantha), shown here, produces a mound of bright, fragrant blooms in pink, purple, yellow, red, orange, white, and bicolors, and often have yellow centers, called eyes. Its colorful flowers grow above a rosette of mid-green oblong leaves.

Fairy primrose (P. malacoides) has star-shaped flowers on tall stems. Another tall variety is German primrose -- also called poison primrose, its leaves can cause skin irritation -- (P. obconica) with fragrant blooms in shades of white, lilac, red, and pink -- each with a green eye. Chinese primrose (P. sinensis) is a small plant with ruffled blooms in shades of pink and lilac.

Primrose typically blooms for several weeks and is often tossed out after flowering because it is difficult to regrow. However, P. polyantha can be planted in a shaded spot outside in the garden for more seasons of blooms.

The biggest challenges of keeping this indoor beauty happy are its moisture and light requirements. Dry soil or direct sun will make primrose flowers wilt. Find a cool place for your plant. A bright sun porch is ideal.

Pinch off spent blooms to extend blooming time.

Height: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)

Light: Bright light. No direct sun.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist. This plant wilts quickly when the soil is dry. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering.

Humidity: Needs moist air. Set pot on a humidity tray to raise the humidity around it. Don't mist because primroses have hairy leaves that trap water, which leads to fungus.

Temperature: Cool to average temperatures 50-65°F, 10-18°C

Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix

Fertilizer: Do not fertilize when in bloom.

Propagation: Sow seeds in late fall for winter blooms.