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Stiff Gentian Seeds

Gentiana quinquefolia

5.00 (1 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

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 rather slowly. The seedlings will need very careful attention when being transplanted, since they do not appreciate root disturbance. They must be regularly watered. 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. 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 papery, light brown capsules with ripe seed inside. 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

Common Names: Agueweed

Latin Name: Gentiana quinquefolia

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Biennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7

US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 180,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall

Stiff Gentian Seeds 5.0
Review By seed grower

well packaged

Seeds arrived well packaged.Should be high germination rate. Super pleased.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~500 Seeds) $3.96 Notify Me
1/64 Oz Mylar (0.44g) $7.96 Notify Me
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $15.36 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $44.80 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~180,000 Seeds) $128.00 Notify Me
Sold out

DESCRIPTION

Named for their stiffly upright tubular blossoms, these unusual wildflowers look like buds about to burst open. All Gentians are rare, but this one is particularly uncommon. The violet-blue flowers appear during the fall.
These unusual wildflowers, named for their stiffly upright tubular blossoms, look like buds about to open. In order to pollinate them, bumblebees and other large bees must force their way into the small opening at the top; the unique design of the blossom expands just enough to allow passage. The Gentiana genus was named after King Gentius, an ancient ruler of the kingdom of Illyria who, according to legend, benefited from the medicinal effects of this family of plants. The species name "quinquefolia" comes from the Latin words for "five leaves," referring to the clusters of blossoms that often occur in groups of five.

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 rather slowly. The seedlings will need very careful attention when being transplanted, since they do not appreciate root disturbance. They must be regularly watered. 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. 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 papery, light brown capsules with ripe seed inside. 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

Common Names: Agueweed

Latin Name: Gentiana quinquefolia

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Biennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7

US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 180,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 1 reviews
5.0

Review By seed grower

well packaged

Seeds arrived well packaged.Should be high germination rate. Super pleased.