Nearly 400 species of gentian exist around the world, many of which are widely cultivated in gardens. Most species of gentian produce trumpet-shaped, violet-blue flowers above a lush mat of dark green foliage, however red, yellow and white flower variations also exist. Growing gentian is moderately challenging since many species are difficult to cultivate outside their native habitat. Choosing native varieties increases the likelihood of success during propagation and extends the lifespan of the plant significantly once planted in the garden.
Instructions
1. Clear a planting site that receives at least five hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a spot where rainwater does not collect following a heavy shower.
2. Combine 2 parts compost, 1 part horticultural sand and 1 part perlite to create an appropriate bed for growing gentian. Spread a 3-inch layer of the mixture across the bed and cultivate it to a depth of 6 inches using a rotary tiller until the mixture is fully incorporated and no large clumps of dirt remain.
3. Water the bed to a 6-inch depth. Observe the bed after watering to see if the water pools or does not soak in after 10 minutes. Add an additional 1 part sand to the bed if the water does not readily drain.
4. Sow the gentian seed directly in the garden bed following the last frost in spring. Poke a 1/4-inch deep hole every 9 inches. Put one or two gentian seeds into each hole and pinch the soil closed. Water the newly planted seeds to a depth of 4 inches.
5. Water the bed to 4-inches deep every two days for six weeks. Look for seedlings after six weeks. Remove any weak seedlings and leave the stronger, better-developed gentians.
6. Adjust the watering schedule at 10 weeks to 3 inches of water every two days.
7. Fertilize the gentian seedlings once they reach 5 inches in height. Mix 1/4-cup 1-1-1 formula liquid fertilizer in 1-gallon water and replace one watering per month with the mixture during the growing season.
8. Treat aphid infestations with a mixture of 2 teaspoons of non-antibacterial dishwashing liquid diluted in 1/2-gallon water. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and douse the plant thoroughly, taking special care to spray under the leaves.
Tags: depth inches, every days, species gentian, with mixture