how to grow ginseng at home

Seeds are to be sown in the fall at a depth of about 1 ½ inches, while roots should be planted under 3 inches of soil and do best when planted in early spring. Ginseng plants do best in moist conditions, but require little attention to develop. Refrain from fertilizing plants.

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.

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.

How much money can you make growing ginseng?

Using the wild-simulated method, the experts recommend a seeding rate of twenty pounds per acre. Using the woods cultivated method, a seeding rate of sixty pounds per acre is recommended. Over a six year growing cycle, that quarter-acre could produce as much as $50,000 worth of roots, seeds and rootlets.

Is it legal to grow ginseng in the US?

It depends on where you live. 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 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.

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 I buy ginseng seeds?

American Ginseng Seeds - Fully stratified and ready to plant now and they will germinate next Spring. Supply is limited this season! Order Now! Approximately 375 seeds per Ounce or 6000 per pound.

How much sunlight does ginseng need?

Like any plant, ginseng needs good soil to grow in. The land must be well-drained and have partial shade, as ginseng does not like full sun. Be sure to test the pH of your land. It should be between 5.0 and 6.0 for the best results.

How many ginseng roots does it take to make a pound?

Thirty to 100 roots will equal one pound of dried ginseng.

What makes ginseng so valuable?

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.

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. ...

Do you need a license to grow ginseng?

You may be required to hold a ginseng harvesting license before you can legally engage in this practice. You need to have permission to harvest ginseng on land that is not owned by you. It's important to only harvest plants that are already bearing berries.

What is ginseng used for illegally?

Lingering in the woods, poachers are ripping roots for the booming market where ginseng can reach up to $500–$1,000 per pound. The medicinal herb is primarily sold in Asia, where it has been historically used as an energy booster, aphrodisiac and health tonic.

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.

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.

Can ginseng grow under pine trees?

Avoid conifers, such as pine, spruce, cedar or hemlock, as their roots could compete with ginseng roots for nutrients and water. Plant your ginseng under their shade and get ready to see some great results.

What climate does ginseng grow in?

Ginseng grows best under conditions that simulate its natural habitat. It requires 70% to 90% natural or artificial shade. Ginseng thrives in a climate with 40 to 50 in. of annual precipitation and an average temperature of 50°F.

What is the difference between wild and cultivated ginseng?

Cultivated ginseng plants are more robust and produce more berries and seeds than wild ginseng plants. Wild ginseng grows naturally within its natural habitat conditions. ... Wild-simulated ginseng is sown under natural shade and natural habitat conditions but scattered and not in beds.

What does ginseng look like in the woods?

Ginseng grows close to the ground and has distinctive leaves that are each made up of five leaflets—two small leaflets closest to the center of the plant flanking three large leaflets. Young plants will usually have three leaves while older plants will have more. ... Ginseng berries are bright red and oblong.

Can ginseng run away?

For example, many experienced pickers tie a red cord around the stem of wild ginseng after finding the herb in forests as, according to a saying,"Ginseng will run away like a man if it is not tied down". ... As a result, ginseng that has grown for more than 100 years is seldom picked in Fusong.

How tall does ginseng grow?

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.).