How to Grow and Care for Ginseng

Ginseng is associated with some of the world's most ancient healing traditions, and the bulk of its roots are dried and exported to Hong Kong, where it is processed into a spice used throughout Southeast Asia.

The two most common varieties of ginseng are American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) from North America and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), native to Manchuria and Korea. Plant ginseng seeds in the fall or early winter and wait patiently for this slow grower—at least three to five years—for its roots to mature for harvesting.

How to Plant Ginseng

Due to its value in the world marketplace, there are strict laws in the United States about harvesting ginseng, where it grows in the wild. Because of this, native ginseng is now relatively rare to encounter in the wild, but it can be successfully cultivated in a woodland setting with the proper care and adherence to guidelines.

When to Plant

Growing ginseng at home—whether in the ground or containers—will take a great deal of patience, primarily because the plant should not be harvested before the plants are at least three years old. Ginseng seeds in fall to early winter—you'll want to acquire stratified seeds that have already shed their outer layer, which will drastically speed up their germination process.

Selecting a Planting Site

Because ginseng is happier to grow naturally, as opposed to cultivation, it's essential to learn how to mimic its native habitat and conditions if you want to grow it successfully. If possible, you'll want to select a shady, low-traffic area—preferably one at the forest's edge. The soil should be rich, well-draining, and full of organic matter, with an acidic pH level.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Ginseng plants should be sowed about 1 inch deep into rich soil and spaced about 15–20 inches apart. While planting, remove anything in the surrounding area that may impede the root growth of the ginseng, such as large tree stumps or rocks.

Ginseng Plant Care

Light

Ginseng grows best in partial to full shade under a woodland canopy. Too much sunlight can increase competition from other plants. For this reason, longer-lived tree species (such as sugar maple, black walnut, and tulip poplar) with fuller leaf canopies make for better ginseng habitats than short-lived species. A forest or woodland site with seventy-five percent shade is recommended.

Soil

Ginseng grows best in moist and well-drained soil, with plenty of organic matter and calcium (the trees mentioned above release calcium into the ground). The site should not be too wet, so flat sites with a history of flooding are unsuitable. Leaf litter is an excellent natural mulch and nutrient for ginseng, so choose to plant where leaf litter is plentiful. Ginseng will not grow in heavy compacted or clay soil.

Water

Ginseng likes moist soil, and its preference for shady sites means it receives adequate moisture from its surroundings. It's essential when planting to choose a spot that mimics ginseng's preferred native locations. Adding a bit of peat moss and leaf litter compost can help create good drainage and moisture retention. Ginseng will not usually require extra watering except in drought conditions.

Temperature and Humidity

Ginseng doesn't like hot temperatures and should not be grown in zones higher than 7. Humidity in woodland settings remains fairly consistent, and ginseng should not be planted in sites that stay too damp or are subject to standing water or flooding in the rainy season.

Fertilizer

If you choose a site with good rich soil, fertilizer should not be necessary for ginseng plants, and it may overburden them and affect their healthy growth.

Pollination

Ginseng plants are cross-pollinating and self-pollinating. Ginseng flowers typically bloom from late June through mid-July and are pollinated by generalist pollinators, flies, and bees.

Types of Ginseng

Ginseng grows wild in North America and Asia and is also cultivated. It can be processed to be red or white ginseng. White ginseng is fresh ginseng peeled and dried without being heated. Red ginseng is steamed and dried and has a reddish color. Red ginseng is less vulnerable to decay. Following are the known types:

• Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
• Panax notoginseng (South China ginseng)
• Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng)
• Panax vietnamensis (Vietnamese ginseng) is the southernmost Panax species known.
  

Asian Ginseng vs. American Ginseng

Korean ginseng plants grow slightly taller than American ginseng plants. Most American ginseng leaves are serrated, while Korean ginseng leaves are smooth-edged. Korean ginseng plants originated in Asia, while American ginseng plants originated in northeastern North America. Both produce bright red berry clusters.

Ginseng roots are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, Korean ginseng is considered the hotter version or "yang" side of ginseng, while American ginseng has more cooling effects and is the "yin" side. 

• American ginseng: Reaches up to 18 inches tall; leaves are large and deep green; roots look like parsnip roots; endangered or threatened in many states and Canada
• Korean ginseng: Reaches up to 24 inches tall; leaves are simple and green; the root is a creamy color, often dividing and coming back together; protected in China and Russia due to over-harvesting in the wild
  

Harvesting Ginseng

Harvesting mature ginseng is relatively easy and done with a digging stick or trowel. In many places in the United States, plants cannot be legally harvested before five years of age. Some states have a harvest season, usually September 1 through December 31; outside of that window, it is illegal to dig it up.

A taproot should have three or four prongs before harvesting. Harvesting younger plants prevents them from producing seeds to reproduce. Ginseng usually cannot reproduce until it is 3 or 4 years old. It's mature when it has a round cluster of pale green flowers in April or May and red berries that ripen by August.

To promote more ginseng plants, plant seeds near where the roots have been dug, under leaf litter, and on the soil surface.

Washing and Drying

Wash the roots as soon as possible after harvest by hand with water, gently rubbing (not scrubbing) to remove any loose soil. Lay them out on a screen to air dry for a few hours, but do not expose the roots to direct sunlight.

You can use a dehumidifier, heater, wood stove, fan, or drying room. Maintain a consistent air temperature between 70 F and 100 F with adequate airflow around the roots while drying. Roots can take one to two weeks to completely dry with an air temperature of 70 F.

As ginseng roots dry, they will shrink but often remain spongy at least partway through the drying process. A root is ready when a dried root snaps easily into two pieces. The root's interior should be entirely white inside (it should not have a brown ring inside, which can indicate the presence of mold).

Storing Ginseng

Dried ginseng (root or powder) should be kept in a dry, dark place in an airtight container, like a plastic bag or glass jar; it should last five years. Store fresh ginseng in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.

How to Grow Ginseng in Pots

Ginseng can grow in pots indoors or outdoors and is adaptable to frost and mild drought conditions. It needs a container at least 15 inches in diameter and ample drainage holes. Use well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil. You can grow ginseng from seeds or seedlings.

Pruning

Prune branches close to your ginseng to prevent it from getting crowded out. Regularly remove weeds and ensure no nearby plants are competing for resources.

Propagating Ginseng

Ginseng is most often propagated by seed or seedlings from a local nursery. Germination is difficult, takes long, and requires stratification and careful treatment of the seeds. You can also plant rootlets, similar to how you prepare the soil for seeds, although deeper.

1. Use a hoe or hand tool, going about 3 inches deep.
2. Lay the rootlet on its side, with the end growth bud pointing or tipping upwards.
3. Cover with soil with at least 1/2 inch to 1 inch of soil and leaf litter.
4. Space rootlets at least 12 inches apart.
5. Water the roots.
   

How to Grow Ginseng From Seed

Seeds can take up to a year and a half to germinate. They require up to six months of stratification (in the refrigerator in sand or peat), or you can buy stratified seeds.

1. Scratch up or turn the soil.
2. Since the germination success rate is low, broadcast 12 seeds within a square-foot spot.
3. Gently press the seeds 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches deep in the loosened dirt.
4. Cover with leaf litter to protect the seeds from cold and frost in the winter.
5. Mark the spot so you do not forget where the seeds are sown.
   

Overwintering

The ginseng plant goes dormant in the winter. Although it can withstand temperatures below -40 F, it can't tolerate excessive water and soggy soil. To protect its roots from root rot, cover the plant with a mulch—4 inches in the North and at least 2 inches in warmer zones.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Ginseng is relatively pest-free, although slugs, deer, and foraging animals also like ginseng. Ginseng is also favored by root-knot nematodes (microscopic worms).

Ginseng is susceptible to fungal diseases like alternaria leaf blight, gray mold, anthracnose, and root rot. To prevent root rot, use new potting soil in containers, do not overwater, and remove infected plants to prevent the spread of these diseases.