Pageant Primrose Care

Location

• English primroses tend to wilt in full sunlight. Plant outdoor primroses in partial or filtered shade. Indoor container plants may be grown in bright, indirect sunlight, such as light softened from a curtain. Indoor primroses can benefit from being placed in an area with some air circulation. Poor circulation traps moisture and often leads to fungal disease such as Botrytis blight. Outdoor plants do best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.

Soil

• Primroses prefer a humus-rich soil that retains moisture well. They must be planted with the root crown just above the surface of the soil, or they may rot. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not water logged. Indoor plants do well in a soil based potting mix that is enhanced with peat moss and sterile sand. Divide every few years to enhance plant vigor. Primroses may be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings.

Cultural Problems

• Primroses may develop short stems if grown in temperatures consistently below 40 degrees F, or above 65 degrees F at night. Flower stems may become long and weak in temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees, or if the plant is receiving too much sun. Improper temperature may also cause the plant's leaves to yellow. Poorly draining or water-logged soil, as well as high soil pH, can also lead to yellowed leaves due to a lack of iron and nitrogen.

Diseases

• Primroses are susceptible to a range of diseases, including viruses such as tobacco necrosis, primrose mosaic and impatiens necrotic spot. Plants infected with a virus may be stunted, or have poor color. Viruses often lead to the death of the entire plant. Infected plants must be discarded before the disease can spread to other plants. Help prevent disease by controlling pest infestations, as pests often carry disease. Watch for common primrose pests such as aphids and thrips.