How is gentian watered correctly?
The roots of the gentian are very delicate. They must neither dry out nor stand too wet. Water gentian outdoors moderately but regularly. Even in dry winters, gentian occasionally needs some irrigation water.
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- Pull the gentian in the pot
- The right location for the gentian in the garden
- This is how gentian hibernates properly
Gentian in the pot is watered more often because the earth dries out faster. Make a large drainage hole in the planter so that excess water can drain away.
Does gentian need regular fertilization?
The nutrient supply is very different for the gentian species. Clusius gentian prefers very calcareous soil. Here you should give some lime in spring. Just bury a piece of chalk next to the plant.
Koch's gentians, on the other hand, only thrive on slightly acidic soils. They do not tolerate lime at all. You can improve the soil by either planting the perennials under conifers or covering them with pine branches in winter.
When caring for the pot, you have to occasionally check whether the soil is still right. In spring, plant the gentian in fresh soil that has been improved with compost.
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 perennials cut?
Cutting back after flowering ensures that the plant branches better. Cut off dead flowers if you don't want to harvest seeds. The ripening of the seeds takes the perennial unnecessary strength.
A pruning is useful before the winter rest. But it is not really necessary.
Which diseases or pests occur in gentian?
Gentian is very robust. Diseases only occur when the plant is too moist. Fungi then develop and rot the stems.
Aphids and spider mites rarely infest gentian. They are usually easy to collect. A light infestation does not affect a strong gentian shrub.
How is gentian overwintered?
Gentian is hardy. However, it doesn't hurt if you cover the plants with brushwood, especially in rough locations. At Kochschem Enzian, you can also use fir branches.
Gentian needs more winter protection in pots:
- Protected location
- Place the planter on the insulating material
- Cover the vessel with foil
- Don't forget to pour
Place the buckets or pots in a corner protected from the wind. Make sure that the soil does not dry out, as the gentian will not sprout again in the next year.
Tips & Tricks
The blue gentian is most commonly grown in gardens. White and yellow gentian species are also easy to care for. As a location for these varieties, shady places and poor or very nutritious soils come into question.