Get to the root of growing this popular herbal supplement, including tips for planting and harvesting ginseng.
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Ginseng is a native perennial plant with a fascinating history.
Mostly grown for its purported medicinal powers, the plant itself has an unassuming appearance.
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Oh, and one more thing: patience.
Beginning its second year from seed, tiny whitish green flowers appear in spring.
These are followed by attractive bright red berries that ripen in late summer or early fall.
It has been used for centuries by many Native American Nations for its medicinal qualities.
Early American settlers found a ready market for dried ginseng roots in China, which commanded a remarkable price.
And it grew wild in eastern woodlands.
Shortly after the Revolutionary War, the Chinese began importing American ginseng in huge quantities.
Many Americans, including Daniel Boone, made a good bit of money selling the wild harvested plant.
The money made from sales significantly supplemented the incomes of many rural families.
This was the ultimate cash cropall you had to do was find it.
Unfortunately, American ginseng was overharvested to near extinction in many regions.
Laws were enacted to curb poaching on public lands.
Well-composted leaf litter is an excellent addition.
Ginseng can be grown from seed or seedling.
“Seeds should not dry out entirely.”
Keep the plants moist, well mulched, weeded, andinspect them for damage from pestsand disease frequently.
You may need to protect plants from browsing deer.
Ifslugs are a problem, they can be deterred by using sawdust mulch.
Can You Grow Ginseng in a Container?
Select a container that has a drainage hole.
Use a loamy soil mix and plant your seeds about one-and-a-half inches deep.
Site the container in a shady spot, keep it watered, and leave it outdoors in winter.
Seedlings can be transplanted while still fairly young to the woodland garden where they can mature.
“Ginseng does not like to be transplanted when older than about two years,” says Bloomquist.
Ginseng is not a good choice forgrowing indoors.
Harvesting Ginseng
Ginseng is a slow grower, even in the best of conditions.
Plants over 30 years old are common in our region’s forests," says Bloomquist.
It will likely be 5-10 years before you’re free to harvest a decent root.
Roots should be dug in the fall as the leaves begin to die.
Rotate them occasionally so they dry evenly.
Drying usually takes two to four weeks, although large roots may take longer.
Store your roots in a ventilated box or basket.
Seedlings may be available for purchase locally from specialty growers.
