One packet of more than 40 seeds
Gentiana acaulis, a spring-blooming alpine gentian, opens large, brilliant blue trumpet flowers over a mat of glossy evergreen foliage.
Seeds are collected in 2023 from the plants pictured, grown in Edmonton, Canada: hardiness zone 3 (to -35C).
Surface sow seeds onto an all-purpose potting mix, water, and cover with a layer of coarse sand or grit. Seed germinates readily following cold treatment, either outdoors in winter or in a refrigerator. Detailed instructions come with the seeds.
The small seedlings are slow-growing and can take 3 or 4 years to reach flowering size. Where the growing season is short, small potted seedlings may be brought indoors over winter and kept under lights, so that they will continue growing. This may be a way to bring the plants to flowering size sooner.
The evergreen leaves and gorgeous large flowers make for a striking rock garden subject. A small plant would suit an alpine trough or pan and could be moved into the open garden when it outgrows the container.