How to Grow Gentiana Acaulis

Pull weeds from the ground surrounding the stemless gentian plant. Spread a 1- to 2-inch-deep layer of mulch around the plant to prevent weed growth and reduce soil moisture loss. Keep the mulch from touching the plant's stems directly, allowing for proper air circulation.

Water the plant when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry. Apply 1 inch of water from a garden hose to moisten the soil thoroughly to a depth of 12 inches. Water the stemless gentian mid-morning to allow time for the foliage to dry before nightfall. Never water so frequently as to cause the soil to become soggy or waterlogged.

Fertilize the stemless gentian with an 18-18-21 nitrogen- phosphorous-potassium water-soluble fertilizer in the spring just as new growth begins. Mix 1 tablespoon fertilizer with 1 gallon water in a watering can. Pour the solution onto the soil around the plant. Reapply the fertilizer two to three months later in midsummer.

Check the stemless gentian's leaves each time you water for the presence of green-bodied aphids. Wash small populations of aphids off the plant's foliage with a steady stream of water. For larger infestations, mix 2 tablespoons neem oil with 1 gallon water in a tank sprayer. Pressurize the sprayer and spray the aphids with the solution, coating both sides of the infested foliage completely. Reapply the neem oil every seven to 14 days until the aphids die off.

Watch the plant for the appearance of snails or slugs. Pick off any pests from the plant and dispose of them. Place slug and snail traps around the plant to eliminate any future visitors.

Divide the plant in the spring once it outgrows its surroundings and its flower yield begins to wane. Dig around the plant with a trowel, keeping 6 inches from its perimeter. Dig down to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Push the trowel underneath the root ball to cut it from the ground. Lift the stemless gentian from the ground, brushing excess soil off its roots. With a knife, cut the plant into two to four sections, each containing healthy roots and shoots.

Dig one hole with a trowel for each division you wish to replant. Make each hole equal in depth and twice as wide as its corresponding plant's root ball. Space individual holes 3 feet apart. Insert each plant into its hole, sitting the top of its root ball even with the surrounding ground. Fill each hole with soil, tamping it around the roots. Water the plants thoroughly.