Blue gentian is the alpine flower par excellence. The perennial is under nature protection and may only be planted in the garden as a cultivated plant by the gardener. The care of the robust perennial is easy. When cared for in the pot, she needs more attention.

Gentian in the bed is very easy to care for

How is gentian watered correctly?

The roots of the gentian are very sensitive. They must neither dry out nor be too wet. Water gentian outdoors moderately but regularly. Even in dry winters, gentians occasionally need some irrigation water.

Potted gentians are watered more often because the soil dries out faster. Provide a large drainage hole in the planter so that excess water can drain away.

Does gentian need regular fertilizer application?

The nutrient supply is very different in the gentian species. Clusius gentian prefers very calcareous soil. Here you should give some lime in the spring. Just bury a piece of chalk next to the plant.

Koch's gentians, on the other hand, only thrive on slightly acidic soil. They don't tolerate lime at all. You can improve the soil by either planting the perennials under conifers or covering them with fir branches in winter.

When caring for them in pots, you must occasionally check whether the soil is still good. In the spring, plant the gentian in fresh, compost-improved soil.

Can gentian be transplanted in a pot?

Yes, in spring you should transplant the perennial into fresh soil and, if necessary, into a larger container.

When are gentian shrubs cut?

A pruning after flowering ensures that the plant branches out better. Cut off faded flowers if you don't want to harvest seeds. The ripening of the seeds unnecessarily takes the strength of the perennial.

A pruning before the hibernation makes sense. But it is not really necessary.

Which diseases or pests occur with gentians?

Gentian is very robust. Diseases only occur if the plant is too damp. Fungi then develop, causing the stems to rot.

Aphids and spider mites rarely attack gentians. They are usually easy to collect. A light infestation makes little difference to a strong gentian perennial.

How is gentian overwintered?

Gentian is hardy. Nevertheless, it does not hurt if you cover the plants with brushwood in rough locations. You can also use pine branches for Koch's gentian.

In the pot, gentian needs more winter protection:

  • Protected location
  • Place the planter on insulating material
  • Wrap the jar in foil
  • Don't forget to water

Place the tubs or pots in a wind-protected corner. Make sure that the soil does not dry out, because then the gentian will not sprout again the next year.

tips and tricks

Blue gentian is most commonly grown in gardens. White and yellow types of gentians are just as easy to care for. As a location for these varieties, shady places and lean or very nutritious soils are more suitable.

Category:

Vegetable garden