The blue gentian has blossomed into a popular rock garden plant. That is not by accident. In the garden, the alpine plant provides magnificent floral decorations. Especially in rock gardens it finds the best growing conditions. Tips for planting gentians in the garden.

Gentian is a low-maintenance flower for the garden

Plant gentians in the garden

Gentian attaches importance to a good location and even more to nutritious, loose soil.

The rock garden is ideal as a location. The stones keep the soil moist and the supply of lime for the Clusius gentians is also ensured. Koch's gentians, on the other hand, feel more at home under coniferous trees.

Location tips:

  • Sunny to semi-shady
  • Avoid too much direct sun
  • Not too warm
  • Somewhat sheltered from the wind

Prepare the ground well

Gentian, no matter what variety, does not tolerate waterlogging at all. Therefore, loosen the soil well so that rain and irrigation water can run off.

Enrich the soil with mature compost and, depending on the type of gentian, with lime.

Plant or sow in spring

The best time for planting is early spring. Gardener's gentian plants that have been brought forward usually bloom after just a few weeks.

You can still plant gentian in autumn. If you want to sow the alpine flower, autumn is the best time. The seeds then get enough cold to germinate.

How to care for the gentian

Once the gentian has grown properly, not much care is required.

Water moderately but regularly so that the roots never dry out but are not too damp either.

If the gentian does not want to bloom properly, you can add lime or improve the soil with compost, depending on the variety.

Some winter protection is good for the gentian

In principle, gentian is hardy, but sensitive plants in particular should be protected from excessive frost.

Prune the plants before winter to thin them out. Cover the gentian with brushwood or other suitable material for the winter.

tips and tricks

Gentian is not a houseplant. You can also care for the plants with their pretty blue flowers in pots or balcony boxes. But they belong outside on the terrace, the balcony or the outside window sill.

Category:

Vegetable garden