Downy Gentian Seeds
Gentiana puberulenta
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: To break this seed's dormancy, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60-90 days before planting. Scatter the seed on the surface of the soil, then press it in lightly. Keep the soil moist, but water carefully to avoid disturbing the seed; keep the soil temperature at about 70 degrees F. Germination may be slow and irregular, but should begin to occur within 4 weeks. Transplant two seedlings each in individual pots, handling very carefully to prevent breaking the hair-like roots.
Growing: Keep the seedlings moist as they develop, which will happen very slowly. In their first year, the seedlings may only develop several leaves. Though the seedlings should be overwintered indoors before transplanting, they will need very careful attention since they do not appreciate root disturbance. They must be regularly watered, though they can tolerate dry soil. Full bloom may not occur until their third or fourth season of growth. This plant does not appreciate extreme heat or drought, though it is cold hardy and grows best in light or sandy soil that drains well. This flower attracts many types of bees.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed Saving: After blooming, the flowers develop into long capsules that split to reveal the ripe seed. Cut them from the stem or simply shake the entire plant over a container to remove the fine, tiny oval seeds. Germination rates will be best if the seed is planted immediately, but it will remain viable for several years if stored properly. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Gentiana puberulenta
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 435,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: Blue
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: To break this seed's dormancy, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60-90 days before planting. Scatter the seed on the surface of the soil, then press it in lightly. Keep the soil moist, but water carefully to avoid disturbing the seed; keep the soil temperature at about 70 degrees F. Germination may be slow and irregular, but should begin to occur within 4 weeks. Transplant two seedlings each in individual pots, handling very carefully to prevent breaking the hair-like roots.
Growing: Keep the seedlings moist as they develop, which will happen very slowly. In their first year, the seedlings may only develop several leaves. Though the seedlings should be overwintered indoors before transplanting, they will need very careful attention since they do not appreciate root disturbance. They must be regularly watered, though they can tolerate dry soil. Full bloom may not occur until their third or fourth season of growth. This plant does not appreciate extreme heat or drought, though it is cold hardy and grows best in light or sandy soil that drains well. This flower attracts many types of bees.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed Saving: After blooming, the flowers develop into long capsules that split to reveal the ripe seed. Cut them from the stem or simply shake the entire plant over a container to remove the fine, tiny oval seeds. Germination rates will be best if the seed is planted immediately, but it will remain viable for several years if stored properly. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Gentiana puberulenta
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 435,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: Blue
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall