When to Plant
Growing ginseng at home—whether in the ground or in containers—will take a great deal of patience, primarily due to the fact that 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 speed up their germination process drastically.
Selecting a Planting Site
Because ginseng is happier to grow naturally, as opposed to cultivation, it’s important to learn how it mimics its native habitat and conditions if you want to grow it successfully. You’ll want to select a shady, low-traffic area—preferably one at the forest’s edge, if possible. 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) that have fuller leaf canopies make for better ginseng habitat than short-lived species. A forest or woodland site with seventy-five percent shade is recommended.
Soil
Ginseng grows best in soil that is moist and well-drained, with plenty of organic matter and calcium (the trees mentioned above release calcium into the soil). The site should not be too wet, so flat sites that have a history of flooding are not suitable. Leaf litter is a good 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 important 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 that are subject to standing water or flooding in the rainy season.
Fertilizer
If you choose a sit with good rich soil, fertilizer should not be necessary for ginseng plants, and may in fact overburden them and affect their healthy growth.
