ginseng plant ontario

Does ginseng grow in Ontario?

In Ontario, American Ginseng typically grows in rich, moist, but well-drained, and relatively mature, deciduous woods dominated by Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), White Ash (Fraxinus americana) and American Basswood (Tilia americana). It usually grows in deep, nutrient rich soil over limestone or marble bedrock.

Why is growing ginseng illegal?

The root of the ginseng plant has been coveted for thousands of years as a natural curative. Because the slow-growing plant is destroyed to harvest the root, those who illegally harvest ginseng can face stiff fines or imprisonment. ...

How much is a pound of ginseng root worth?

2017 the price of Wild Ginseng was $500-$800 per pound. 2018 the price of Wild Ginseng was $550-$800 per pound. 2019 the price of Wild Ginseng was $550-$800 per pound. 2013 to present ginseng price information does not include premium ginseng root pricing.

How much is an acre of ginseng worth?

Yields as high as 2,500 pounds of dried root per acre have been reported. Establishment costs for one acre of ginseng beds, under wood lath shade or under polypropylene shade cloth, varies from $20,000 to $30,000 depending upon the current prices of materials needed.

Is it illegal to grow ginseng in Canada?

Only cultivated American ginseng can be legally traded in Canada. Even the possession of wild American ginseng collected in Canada is prohibited, and the export of wild American ginseng from Canada is also prohibited.

Is ginseng a perennial?

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a slow growing perennial plant.

Where does ginseng like to grow?

American ginseng is found throughout deciduous forests in eastern and central United States and in southeastern Canada. It is a slow-growing perennial that typically grows 8 to 15 inches tall. It grows predominantly in woodland, favoring slopes with rich soil and dense shade.

Can you grow ginseng in your backyard?

Best of all, there is no huge time commitment necessary to start ginseng farming. ... You can earn some nice extra cash growing ginseng in your backyard nursery. You don't need several acres to do it either. In fact, after six years you can make over $100,000 with just a half-acre of land.

What side of the hill does ginseng grow on?

Go where the ginseng grows.

It usually grows in well-shaded areas (especially north- or east-facing slopes) of moist hardwood forests.

Why is ginseng so expensive?

Why is it so expensive? “The Chinese now have a lot more disposable income,” says Beyfuss. And they have harvested their wild ginseng into near extinction, which gives the American species cachet. ... Already, wild-grown ginseng must be five years old to be legally harvested.

What is the most expensive ginseng?

The most valuable grade is “wild” ginseng. Known by its gnarled, striated appearance, and often decades old, it's considered the most potent and is most coveted by buyers. Thirty-year-old wild root brings in several thousand dollars a pound.

How long does ginseng take to grow?

It takes 3 or 4 years for ginseng to reach maturity, after an initial year of preparation so, 4 or 5 crops need to be established before the first crop is harvested.

What is the most profitable crop per acre?

10 Most Profitable Specialty Crops to Grow

Lavender. Lavender farming can produce above-average profits for small growers, as it is such a versatile crop. ...
Gourmet mushrooms. ...
Woody ornamentals. ...
Landscaping trees and shrubs. ...
Bonsai plants. ...
Japanese maples. ...
Willows. ...
Garlic.

Can ginseng kill you?

Ginseng can sometimes do more harm than good, and can even result in death when combined with a certain medication.

Is there money in growing ginseng?

You can start your own ginseng business with not much money. Using the wild-simulated or woods-cultivated method, you should be able to start a quarter-acre ginseng garden for less than $1,000. ... Over a six year growing cycle, that quarter-acre could produce as much as $50,000 worth of roots, seeds and rootlets.

What states allow you to grow ginseng?

There are 19 states that allow harvesting of wild ginseng for export: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

What is the health benefit of ginseng root?

It is commonly touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It could also help regulate blood sugar levels and have benefits for some cancers. What's more, ginseng may strengthen the immune system, enhance brain function, fight fatigue and improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

How old does ginseng have to be to harvest?

Typically, growers allow ginseng to reach a minimum age of 9 to 10 years before harvesting. Assuming that the market price does not decrease significantly, the value of ginseng should increase significantly each year it is allowed to mature.

Can ginseng survive winter?

As a native to much of the eastern United States and Canada, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a cold tolerant perennial plant that is hardy to temperatures down to about -40 F. ... As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, ginseng plants prepare for winter dormancy.

What conditions does ginseng need to grow?

The best soil condition for growing ginseng is moist, well-drained soil that is high in calcium and high in organic matter. Planting sites should have deep, dark soil that is loose and covered with a good layer of leaf litter.

How big can a ginseng plant get?

Ginseng is an attractive perennial herb that attains a height of only 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) the first year. The leaf drops in autumn and a new leaf and stem appear in spring. This growth pattern continues until the plant reaches a mature height of 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.).