How to Grow Ginseng : A Complete Guide
Want to grow your own ginseng? Learn how to grow ginseng step by step, from choosing the right soil to harvesting its valuable roots. Perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners. Ginseng—one of the most valuable plants in the world. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and people still go crazy for it today. The problem? It’s a slow-growing, picky little plant that doesn’t like to be rushed. If you’re here looking for a quick cash crop, you might as well stop reading now. But if you’re in this for the long haul, let’s talk about how to grow ginseng properly.
The Problem: Growing Ginseng Ain’t Easy
Here’s the deal—ginseng is NOT like growing tomatoes. It takes 5-10 years to mature, requires specific conditions, and can be wiped out by disease if you’re not careful. If you’re thinking, “That sounds like a lot of work,” you’re absolutely right.
But why do people still grow it? Simple—because good ginseng can sell for hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars per pound. That’s why even though it’s tough to grow, people still chase after this “green gold.”
The Agitation: The Struggles of Growing Ginseng
You might be wondering: What’s so hard about growing a plant? Well, let’s break it down:
- It takes forever to grow. Imagine planting something and waiting an entire decade to see results. That’s ginseng.
- It’s picky about where it grows. Too much sun? Dead. Too much water? Dead. Wrong soil? Dead.
- Pests and diseases love it. Fungus, deer, and even thieves can ruin years of work overnight.
The Solution: How to Grow Ginseng Like a Pro
Alright, enough doom and gloom. You’re here because you want to grow ginseng, and I’m here to tell you it CAN be done—if you follow the right steps. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: How to Grow Ginseng: Choosing Your Growing Method
There are three ways to grow ginseng, and each comes with its own pros and cons.
1. Wild-Simulated Ginseng
- What is it? Growing ginseng in a natural forest setting with minimal interference.
- Pros: Low maintenance, high value.
- Cons: Takes 7-10 years to mature, no guarantee of success.
2. Woods-Cultivated Ginseng
- What is it? Growing ginseng in a controlled forested area with added soil preparation.
- Pros: Faster than wild-simulated (6-8 years), slightly more predictable.
- Cons: Higher risk of disease.
3. Field-Cultivated Ginseng
- What is it? Growing ginseng like a regular crop with artificial shade.
- Pros: Fastest method (4-6 years), highest yield.
- Cons: Requires chemicals, expensive setup, lower market value.
If you’re growing for quality over quantity, wild-simulated or woods-cultivated is your best bet.
Step 2: How to Grow Ginseng: Finding the Right Spot
Ginseng needs a cool, shaded environment—think deep woods with lots of leaf litter. If you’re in the U.S., hardwood forests in the Appalachian region are ideal. The best locations have:
- 75-80% shade too much sunlight kills it.
- Well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
- Lots of organic matter leaf mulch is perfect.
Case Study: Farmers in Wisconsin and North Carolina have successfully grown ginseng using controlled shade structures. While this method requires higher initial investment, it yields 3-5 times more ginseng per acre than wild-simulated methods.
Step 3: How to Grow Ginseng: Preparing the Soil
Bad soil = bad ginseng. Before planting, test the soil for acidity. If the pH is too high, add sulfur. If it’s too low, mix in some crushed limestone.
- Clear out aggressive weeds.
- Loosen the soil to 6-8 inches deep.
- Add aged leaf mulch or compost for nutrients.
Step 4: How to Grow Ginseng:Planting the Seeds
Ginseng seeds take 18 months just to sprout, so patience is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Plant seeds in the fall September-November.
- Bury them 1 inch deep and space them 6 inches apart.
- Cover lightly with leaves to keep moisture in.
If you’re using rootlets, plant them at an angle with the bud just under the surface. Water lightly and walk away—ginseng hates too much attention.
Step 5: How to Grow Ginseng: The Waiting Game
Once planted, ginseng does most of the work itself. But here’s what you need to watch for:
1. Pests & Disease
- Fungal infections – Use well-drained soil and don’t crowd plants.
- Deer & rodents – A simple fence or mesh netting works wonders.
- Poachers – If ginseng is valuable in your area, keep it hidden.
2. Watering & Weeding
- Only water during droughts—too much moisture invites disease.
- Keep weeds in check, but don’t disturb the soil too much.
Step 6: How to Grow Ginseng: Harvesting & Selling Ginseng
After 5-10 years, your ginseng is finally ready. Harvesting is simple but delicate.
- Use a garden fork to gently dig around the roots.
- Wash gently—scrubbing damages valuable root hairs.
- Dry in a warm, dark place for several weeks.
Selling Ginseng: Where’s the Money?
Wild ginseng can sell for $500-$1,200 per pound, while cultivated ginseng goes for $40-$100 per pound.
Case Study: In 2019, a single ginseng root from the Appalachian mountains sold for $10,000 due to its unique shape and age. The market rewards patience .
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy cash crop, ginseng isn’t it. It takes years of patience, the right conditions, and a bit of luck. But if you stick with it, the rewards can be huge.
- Pros: High value, minimal daily maintenance, grows naturally.
- Cons: Long wait time, risk of disease, potential theft.
So, if you’re willing to play the long game, growing ginseng might just be one of the most rewarding and profitable gardening projects you ever take on.
References
- Persons, W. S. (2014). American Ginseng: Green Gold. Bright Mountain Books.
- Beyfuss, R. (2000). The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng. Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- University of Wisconsin Extension. (2021). Ginseng Production Guide.
