Also known as Gentian · 407 saves
Gentiana
Gentiana, the genus most gardeners know as gentian. We track 14 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 14 most-saved Gentiana varieties
6 species of Gentiana
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gentiana in Sow
Save the Gentiana you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gentiana
Whats common across all Gentiana varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them.
The Gentiana year
- FertilizeApril79% of varieties
Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- MulchApril71% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture
- Spring CleanupMarch64% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage before new shoots emerge
- PlantApril, May, October and November57% of varieties
Plant in rich, well-drained soil during cool weather
- DivideApril43% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-5 years in early spring.
- DeadheadJune–September36% of varieties
Remove spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Deadhead to prolong flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sunlight
- Refrain from heavy fertilization in winter
What goes wrong with Gentiana
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes chewed in the tender basal foliage, particularly in damp spring weather. | Apply iron phosphate bait around the plants or handpick pests during damp evenings. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves and stippled, yellowing foliage. | Apply targeted insecticidal soaps and ensure adequate air circulation. |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick during damp evenings |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Ensure well-drained soil, avoid overwatering |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal coating on the leaves. | Improve air circulation around the foliage cushion. |
| Crown rot | Decay at the base of the leaf rosettes, causing the plant to collapse during wet winters. | Ensure the plant is sited in a free-draining scree or trough, and clear away wet autumn debris. |
Making more Gentiana
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall.
- Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring and keep consistently moist.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Gentiana questions
How many types of Gentiana are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Gentiana varieties. The most popular — ranked by 407 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gentiana grow in?
Across its varieties, Gentiana covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gentiana bloom?
Most Gentiana varieties bloom in summer, late summer, fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gentiana should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.