Gentian: here's how to grow it in the ground and in a pot

Gentians are beautiful flowering plants, perennial, outdoor, small in size and very cold-resistant. There are numerous species, and the flowers, generally bell-shaped, vary in color from light blue to electric blue, to purple, yellow, and white.

Of the gentian, widespread throughout the world, from Europe to Asia, 400 varieties are known. Among the most widespread are the lesser gentian (Gentiana asclepide), with slender, arched stems, lanceolate leaves and bell-shaped flowers, and the greater gentian (Gentiana lutea) which is distinguished by its yellow flowers and significantly larger size (the stem can reach a metre in height).

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Exposure and climate

Gentians like temperate climates and love full sun. It is advisable to place the plants in places with a summer temperatures not too high, so that it never exceeds 25 degrees. If the temperature becomes very high, it is best to shelter the gentian plant, even indoors.

Land and cultivation care

Gentians prefer slightly acidic soil; in pots use a mix with sand, leaf mould and a prevalence of peat. They do not require either manuring No special pruning required (except for cleaning). You can often find these beautiful flowers in high-altitude meadows or in mountainous areas where the soil is acidic. Be careful, however, if you plan to pick flowers: gentian includes some protected species that cannot be touched.

Watering

For good irrigation of the gentian, it is necessary to keep the soil quite moist during the hot season, but avoid water stagnationAsian species require more water than European ones.

Sowing and flowering

Propagation occurs by dividing the tufts at the end of spring or for sowing in autumnThe seeds should be placed at a distance of 50-60 centimetres, the repotting It should be done when the rhizomes' roots emerge from the holes created by irrigation. Gentian blooms from March to October and can last up to ten years.

Problems and remedies

No particular diseases or parasites have been reported. If we notice yellowing of the foliage, the cause could be the presence of excess lime in the soil. If the plant is affected by aphids, use preparations based on nettles.

How to use gentian

Gentian is widely used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, from anorexia to digestive problems. However, its greatest effectiveness is certainly seen against constipation, when gentian is prepared in the form of brewFinally, in natural cosmetics, the gentian root is used for cleansing the oily skin.

Why is it forbidden to pick gentian?

Gentian grows in many areas of the Italian peninsula, especially in the Apennines. But it cannot be harvested. It is considered an endangered species and, as such, is protected at the highest levels. One more reason to grow it in our green spaces, from a balcony to a garden.

How to grow gentian