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AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS
AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS
AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS
AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS
AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS
AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS

AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTLETS

Herb | ginseng

USDA Zones: 3-8

Panax quinquefolium True American Ginseng — Now Available as Three-Year-Old Live Rootlets for Immediate Planting.

American Ginseng has a long history of medicinal and economic significance, spanning from the Appalachian region to China. Early trade with Asia placed heavy pressure on this slow-growing plant due to high demand and enticing market prices. While ginseng is harvestable at three years, older roots are significantly more valuable. Traditionally used for direct consumption, the root is grated into water to make a tonic or simply chewed to release its health benefits. It can also be tinctured or brewed into tea. A single root may last for weeks or even months when used this way. Leaf tea, which offers a broad range of health benefits, is a sustainable alternative that doesn’t require harvesting the root. American Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, supporting the body’s ability to cope with stress. It is well known for its stimulating and uplifting properties. Over time, many people report enhanced mental clarity and a general increase in energy. In Asian medicine, it is regarded as a complete chi tonic. 

Over the last century, ginseng has been heavily harvested—but now you can help repopulate it. These rootlets, grown in East Coast forests from cultivated seed, are carefully stewarded under natural conditions. Ginseng can thrive in many regions, including the West Coast, when given proper care. For success, provide rich humus, a damp but well-drained woodland environment, and avoid standing water, which promotes fungal issues to which ginseng is prone. Shade and patience are essential, as this is a slow-growing plant. Once established, it can yield a stand of ginseng that lasts for generations. Hardy in zones 3–8.  

Ginseng rootlets ship in November for immediate planting. Order early for best availability. Detailed planting instructions are included with each order and may be obtained below. Available only within the contiguous US
  • Cold-Hardy Variety
  • Culinary
  • Perennial
  • Tea

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Growing Tips & Guides

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Initial Instructions
The most successfully cultivated plots of American Ginseng are located in areas mimicking its natural habitat. Dubbed wild-simulated cultivation, this method of growing ginseng is the least labor-intensive but also the slowest. With this approach seed is sown thinly with minimal disruption to the ground. The plants are then left to progress as naturalized plants. By allowing the crop to stand up to natural growing challenges, they grow slowly, yet are more potent than those that have been pampered. Our ginseng seed has been stratified (exposed to a period of cool, moist conditions to encourage germination). The seed is ready to be planted immediately upon arrival in the fall, but if you are not ready to plant, keep the seed moist and cool (between 40 and 50°F). Sow seed directly into the ground, 1/2-3/4 inches deep and about 3 inches apart. Cover with a 3-4 inch layer of leaf or straw mulch and water well. Seeds planted in fall should emerge the following spring.

Rootlet Planting
Shipped in the fall, the rootlets are ready for direct planting. Simply dig a small hole the length of the root and bury it up to the crown, right where the stem begins, keeping any aerial portion above ground. Positioned this way, the ginseng will settle into its new environment as it prepares for winter dormancy.

Come spring, new leaf stalks will begin to emerge. Ginseng leaves are called prongs, and each year the plant puts out one new prong, shedding the old. This growth pattern allows live plants to be aged, and harvested roots can be dated by the number of leaf scars they bear. Very old ginseng roots develop long “necks” from these accumulated prong scars. These necks are fragile and contribute significantly to the root’s value.

Cultivation
Keep an eye out for new seedling sprouts, which should be visible by late May. They will look like 3 small strawberry leaves on a short stem. Remove some of the mulch if you don't see any sprouts, and replace the mulch layer once the seedlings emerge. The mulch will help keep the soil moist and weed-free. Keep the planting weeded and water regularly during the first growing season, but do not allow the soil to become soggy. Mature plants produce red berries in fall. The seeds from these berries will be dormant for 18-20 months and then germinate during the 2nd spring after ripening. Typically, a wild-simulated ginseng planting will be mature enough to begin harvesting roots after about 3 years. If properly maintained, these plantings will self-seed, regenerating the plant population for years to come.

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