Gentiana lutea
Family: Gentianaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the mountain meadows of central
and southern Europe and Asia Minor. Yellow Gentian is the purest of bitter
agents. The flowers are rich, the herbage is succulent and the root
is the premier official bitter tonic, which is utilized for making various
aperitifs and the famous Swiss Bitters. Increasingly difficult to
find in its native habitat of the high Alps where it grows in moist situations
and is in many places a protected plant. Sowing and utilizing this
Gentian, or Centaury or any of the other (coarser) bitter herbs as a substitute
for wild-harvested Gentiana lutea is a good idea. This is highest quality,
cold-stored seed. Cultivation: Extra care. Sow seeds
in fall, winter or very early spring. Cover seed with very well rotted
compost or leaf mould. Germination in spring. Prefers rich, moist
soil in partial shade. Plant 6 inches apart. Flowers 3 to 4
feet.
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