Primroses are basically the ultimate winter pick-me-up for two big reasons: they’re compact enough to fit on any windowsill, and they pack a serious punch of color when it’s still gray and gloomy outside. Here’s how to keep yours looking spectacular.
Your living room isn’t exactly a primrose paradise
Primroses show off those vibrant, mood-boosting blooms during the first four months of the year. In the wild, they love being outdoors, but most of us prefer to spend the chilly winter in a cozy, heated house—and we want our flowers right there with us!
The problem? Most living rooms sit at 70°F or higher, and it’s even toastier near a radiator. Plus, indoor heating makes the air incredibly dry. Primroses aren’t fans of heat or low humidity. Their wide leaves lose moisture fast, and if the soil dries out, those bright colors fade and the blooming period gets cut short. But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on them just yet.
Finding the right spot indoors
Even the coolest room in your house (usually the bedroom) might still be a bit warm for a primrose, but it’s a much better bet than the kitchen or living room. For a happy plant, aim for these conditions:
- Plenty of light
- Minimal direct sunlight
- Temperatures between 40°F and 60°F
- Keep them away from heaters or vents
- A north-facing windowsill is usually the “sweet spot”
Keep that soil hydrated
Primroses like their soil consistently moist, but never soggy. You’ll want to water them regularly, ideally using filtered water or rainwater if you have it. If your room is on the warmer side, you’ll need to water more frequently to compensate. It also helps to mist the leaves every day or two—just try to avoid spraying the actual flowers!
A little extra TLC for potted primroses
While they’re blooming, give your primroses a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus every two weeks. You don’t need to worry about pruning, but you should definitely “deadhead” (pinch off) any wilted flowers to encourage new buds to pop up. Don’t forget to pluck away any yellowing leaves while you’re at it.
Pro Tip:
Once your primroses have finished blooming, don’t toss them in the trash! Even if they aren’t “decor” anymore, they are actually perennials and quite hardy. You can plant them out in your garden, and they’ll likely greet you again next spring!