BOTTLE GENTIAN SEEDS

Gentiana andrewsii

Among our most striking native Gentians here in the Northeast, and the one most suitable for medicinal use. All portions of this plant are bitter and suitable for tincture, but as with European species it is the roots that are the primary source of medicine. Hardy perennial found mainly in damp ditches and open wetlands throughout its native range, these plants can be cultivated with reasonable success in gardens given rich moist soil, although they may take up to three years to bloom from seed. Flower color depends on soil pH, but is generally a stunning true blue in our acidic Northeastern soils. In basic soils the flowers will be shades of purple and occasionally even white.

Seeds are super tiny and require stratification to germinate. Sprinkle seeds sparingly onto pots of moist soil and mist very gently. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture and place in a sheltered location outdoors, out of direct sunlight, to overwinter. Seeds will germinate erratically, beginning in late winter and early spring. Wait to prick out seedlings for a few weeks and transplant into deep containers of moist fertile soil to grow on in part sun, watering frequently. To hasten the maturity of these plants we recommend growing them in individual deep pots for their first year, transplanting in autumn or the following spring. Do not allow soil to dry out completly at any point! Morning sun and afternoon shade will be best in hot summer regions while these plants are in containers.

Roots are exhumed for tincture no sooner than the third or fourth year, and can be dug at almost any point while the plant is fresh and green. Listed as a febrifuge and analgesic, it is a gentian suitable for use in treating the symptoms of flu and other viral infections, as well as congested liver. Curiously, it is also listed as a treatment for “lonesomeness and craziness", and to “cure jealous witchcraft".

Long-lived and hardy to zone 3. Where they are happy these plants will self-sow politely, although the seedlings are slow to grow if crowded. At least a few plants should be left undisturbed to propagate themselves via roots. Maintaining a stand of this species will provide years of valuable medicine and beautiful blooms.

This species is pollinated exclusively by our native bumble bees, who have the sense and strength to penetrate these unique “closed" flowers. Watching them basically burgle their way in is time well spent.

Packet contains around 500 tiny seeds.