Asian Ginseng is an herbaceous perennial plant that is the original source of ginseng. It is a woodland wildflower that grows in shady mountain forests of eastern Asia. It has a stem with several palmately compound leaves and a flower stalk with a rounded cluster of small, white flowers. The fruits are bright red drupes. Leaves have 3-5 leaflets. It has a stout rootstock. The rootstock is used as an herbal medicine. Ginseng has a history of herbal use going back over 5,000 years. It is one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in the Orient, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigor. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Growing Instructions for the Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng seeds have a period of dormancy and need to be stratified to break their dormancy. These seeds have already been stratified so they do not need to be refrigerated to break their dormancy. The seeds can be grown in pots or sown on the ground in the spring, summer or fall. 1. Ginseng grows in loamy, clay or sandy soil. Put some potting soil in a container. 2. Sow the seeds ¼-1/2 inch deep. 3. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, until the ginseng seeds germinate. The seeds will not germinate if the soil dries out. 4. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 5. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.