Karita, Charita, Indian Balmony
Swertia chirita

Family: Gentianaceae (jen-shun-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Swertia (SWER-tee-uh)
Species: chirita (ky-RY-tuh)

Synonym:Ophelia chirata

Category
Annuals
Herbs

Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Danger

Bloom Color
Pale Green
Purple

Bloom Time
Mid Fall

Foliage

Other details
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Soil pH requirements

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting