Most of the ginseng species are native to East Asia; two are native to North America.
The plant has a single stem with palmate, serrated green leaves.
The small, umbel-shaped white or greenish flowers in the spring or summer are inconspicuous but fragrant.
tim/ Flickr /CC BY 2.0
They are followed by bright red berries.
Ginseng is planted in the fall or early winter.
It is a very slow grower.
This patch of American ginseng is growing alongside a hiking trail.EastTennesseeDude/ Flickr /CC BY 2.0
ensure to only purchase ginsengseeds that have already been stratifiedfor one full winter.
These seeds have shed their outer layer and are ready to germinate in the spring after planting.
Selecting a Planting Site
Select a location with about 80% shade.
Northern or northeastern-facing slopes are ideal because of the limited sun exposure.
The soil should be rich, well-draining, and full of organic matter, with aslightly acidic pH.
Woodland areas with lots of fallen leaves and rich topsoil are best.
Ginseng roots are typically available for purchase as two- or three-year-old rootlets.
Dig a hole about 3 inches deep.
Place the rootlet in the hole on its side, with the end growth bud pointing or tipping upwards.
The bud should be just below the soil surface, covered with 1/2 inch of soil and leaf litter.
Space rootlets at least 12 inches apart in rows 6 to 12 inches apart.
Plant seeds 12 inch deep, spaced 3 to 6 inches apart in rows 6 to 9 inches apart.
To make up for a low germination rate, good idea to plant the seeds rather densely.
Cover the planting area with leaf litter and mark it well.
Optimal overstory trees are black walnut, sugar maple, and tulip poplars.
Good drainage is important.
Spots that get flooded are unsuitable.
Ginseng will not grow in heavy compacted or clay soil.
Water
Ginseng thrives in moist soil.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant does best in a temperate climate.
Hot, either desert-dry or extremely humid summers above USDA hardiness zone 7 are not suitable for growing ginseng.
To keep your ginseng patch growing, plant stratified ginseng seeds nearby.
Washing and Drying
Wash the roots promptly after the harvest under running cold water.
Gently rub (not scrub) them to remove any loose soil.
Lay them out on a screen to air dry for a few hours, away from direct sunlight.
To dry the roots, use a dehumidifier, heater, wood stove, fan, or drying room.
Maintain a consistent air temperature between 70F and 100F with adequate airflow around the roots while drying.
Roots take one to two weeks to completely dry with an air temperature of 70F.
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.
Storing Ginseng
Store fresh ginseng in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.
Use a container at least 15 inches in diameter with large drainage holes.
Fill it with well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil.
Propagating Ginseng
Overwintering
The ginseng plant goes dormant in the winter.
Although it withstands temperatures below minus 40F, it benefits from root protection.
Cover the plant with a mulch4 inches in northern locations and at least 2 inches in warmer zones.
It also attracts root-knot nematodes (microscopic worms).
To prevent root rot, avoid soggy soil, and donot overwater the plant.
Remove infected plants to prevent the spread of thesediseases.
Ginseng is a tough plant to grow; doing so takes a lot of patience.
Indoors, the plant will struggle to get established.
White ginseng is fresh ginseng that is peeled and dried without being heated.
Red ginseng is steamed and dried; it has a reddish color.
Red ginseng is less vulnerable to decay.
American ginseng cultivation and growing guide.
