Growing Ginseng

Ginseng is a fleshy rooted herb and a slow growing plant that takes years to grow. Ginseng grows in well-drained, cool, shaded hardwood forests. Ginseng does not grow in full sunlight, and hardwood forests provide the plant with plenty of shade. Ginseng is a perennial plant, but unlike other perennials lies dormant some years and does not grow new tops every year. The root does not die but lies dormant until the following year.

Ginseng seeds sprout up in the spring. Hence, the best time to plant is sometime the end of September until the end of February. Seeds or plants will sprout the end of April. Plant seeds about 1/2 to 1