Primrose offer some hope for spring.

By REBECCA NORTON RYAN

With the holidays behind us the little primrose plants now for sale in grocery stores and garden centers give us a nice little breath of spring.

The primrose is a hardy and adaptable plant that flowers now and as it fades gives the perennial border a colorful plant that can return every spring.

Once the little flowers are gone and the garden is ready for cultivation, the plants can be installed in a woodland-like spot.

Primrose should be planted in well drained soil and amended with organic matter.

Set the plants about 6-12 inches apart, mulch properly and water thoroughly.

Slugs and snails can be a problem with primrose. These can be controlled with a non-toxic slug bait. Spider mites and aphids can be controlled with a spray of horticultural soap.

Growing primrose is easy. We can enjoy them in our homes and then keep them watered and in a sunny window until spring is here.

Rebecca Norton Ryan is a Penn State Extension Master Gardener and member of the Warren Garden Club.