Q&A for How to Grow Ginseng

Yes, ginseng can be grown in raised beds under a shadecloth. This will result in faster growth, and a less valuable final product.

A Ginseng losing its leaves every Fall as part of its natural growth cycle. They will grow back.

It depends on the age of the plant. Ginseng will produce larger red clusters of berries as it ages.

Yes. I've heard the old wise tales out there about ginseng putting some kind of poison in the ground or something. It's not true. Now if you grow a dense field of ginseng, then it's probably not poison that hurts the next crop, but the fact there is little to no nutrients left in the soil or a possible disease in the ground from overpopulation of roots. That is why the wild kind can be so much more valuable than cultivated.

You can buy the seeds from your local botanist or plant nursery (if you have one). You could also always try buying them online.

You can make them less visible by planting plants of the same color around them, but try to find a plant that doesn't usually attract animals.

Yes you can, but it is much more difficult because you have to try to mimic it being grown under the shade of trees, with leafy cover. It's almost always easier to grow ginseng in a more natural environment.

Absolutely, given the right conditions. It does occur naturally in the area. Look for companion plants such as maidenhair fern, cohosh, and goldenseal. If you can find these plants, you probably have a suitable site.

Absolutely. My grandmother plants eggplant, tomatoes and bitter melon near her ginseng plants.

It would be very difficult. You would have to mimic the climate in a state such as Pennsylvania where wild American ginseng has been reported in every county. The annual cold period would be difficult to replicate.

American ginseng prefers the Eastern deciduous forest environment. It's a complex ecosystem. Consult a book on ginseng for specifics.

Yes, if you can maintain a slightly moist soil. I grow it on the north side of hedges but have to water the ginseng occasionally.

Yes. Any type of manure should be avoided at all times. Ginseng has a distinct taste and odor. Animal manure will produce and unsaleable root. Some folks may use small amounts of well-composted animal manure as fertilizer, but I avoid it.

Not likely. Ginseng needs barely moist, but well drained, soil at all times. Any type of flooding usually kills the roots from drowning, or from disease in the overly wet soil.