From Ground: Water the alpine gentian plant before starting, which softens the soil and reduces stress on the plant. Carefully dig a generous circumference around the plant with a spade, going deep enough to avoid cutting into the root ball. Gently ease the plant out of the ground, preserving as much of the root system as possible.
From Pot: Tip the pot sideways and gently tap the sides and bottom to loosen the root ball. With care, slide the alpine gentian plant out of the pot, being cautious not to pull on the stems or leaves.
From Seedling Tray: Water the seedlings to ease removal. Use a spoon or a similar tool to lift the individual alpine gentian plants with their root ball intact from the cells of the seedling tray, handling the seedlings by the leaves, not the delicate stems.