Gentiana makinoi-hybr ‘Royal Blue’ (cold treated) – ( Blue Gentian)

Description

Picture thanks to www.jelittoseeds.com

This gentian has lovely bright  blue flowers on stems up to 120cm high.  It is an excellent gentian  for cutting, being long lasting.  The plant itself can be used as a ground cover, doing well in mostly shade but coping with some sun. Once established it requires low water. and is quite drought tolerant. Flowers are approx 5cm wide, and they are positioned at the tips and also the axils of the stem. The flowers don’t open more than to the fat globule stage.  The plant likes a peaty acidic soil, takes a while to establish, but is well worth the wait to see the wonderful display in late summer of its dramatic blue flowers.

Sowing advice ( cold treated seeds) 

Sow at any time  in trays or pots.  Sow onto the surface of moist seed raising mix . Don’t cover , just press the seed into the mix, as they need light to germinate. Germination takes 7-14 days at  about 20°C. Keep at cooler temperatures once they have germinated . Transplant when large enough.