Yellow Gentian

Gentiana lutea

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Corse, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Gentianaceae
Genus:
Gentiana
Species:
Gentiana lutea
USDA Symbol:
GELU2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to mountainous regions with calcareous soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–180 days
Notes:
Germination is slow and erratic; seeds require light and cold stratification. Best sown in fall for natural winter chilling.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 20°C for 6 weeks, then place @ 4°C for 6 weeks, then slowly raise temperature to 10°C for 6 weeks. If there is no germination, repeat the cycle. * avoid pricking out individually, transplant seedlings in clumps

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society