how to plant ginseng seeds

Plant ginseng seeds, by hand, three inches apart in each furrow About one ounce or 500 seeds will be needed to plant three furrows at this spacing in a bed that is 5 feet wide and 50 feet long . Cover the seeds with 3/4 inch of soil. After planting, carefully step down each row to firm the soil around the seeds.

How long does it take ginseng to grow from a seed?

Growing ginseng at home is not difficult, but requires patience. Ginseng seeds take up to 18 months to germinate and although seeds may be stratified (stored in shallow sand or peat under refrigerated conditions for more than six months) at home, look for stratified seeds sold by reputable dealers.

When should I plant ginseng?

Ginseng roots must remain whole and can be planted in spring before they begin to bud, usually March or April, or in the fall after the berries have fallen.

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.

Where do ginseng seeds grow?

Ginseng seed sowing should start in fall to early winter. Select a site with no weeds in at least partial shade where soil drains well. Plant seeds 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm.) deep and at least 14 inches (36 cm.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I grow ginseng in my 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.

Can you make money 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.

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.

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.

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.

Will 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.

How much does a ginseng license cost?

This license must be in their possession when selling ginseng. Harvester's licenses cost $7.50. Licenses are available through DNR Direct license and permit vendors, online through the website at DNR Direct or by phone toll free @ 1-866-716-6550.

How much does ginseng sell for?

The price of wild ginseng roots has climbed in the last decade. Now domestic buyers pay $500 to $600 per pound compared with about $50 per pound of cultivated roots.

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.).

How often do you water a ginseng plant?

Water every 2 – 3 weeks in the Spring and Summer months, and then space out your watering in the Fall and Winter months. This plant can survive drought light conditions, as it does store and soak up water through its roots – so it is better to under water than overwater.

How do I look after my ginseng plant?

A ginseng ficus will tolerate some over or under watering, but aim to keep soil moderately moist throughout the summer and back off a little in the winter. To make the air more humid, set the tree on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Just make sure the roots aren't sitting in water.

What kind of soil does ficus ginseng need?

Most houseplant potting soils are 100% organic matter. They will provide the nutrients, but they drain very poorly. Ficus trees do well in a mix that is 60% aggregate and 40% organic matter. You can repot the tree at any time of year – if you can find a warm, sunny place to keep it.