How to Plant Sarsaparilla Roots
Have you ever enjoyed the wonderful taste of homemade root beer? Chances are it was made from sarsaparilla. This attractive, flowering herb is often used as a substitute for flavoring root beer. Wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) can be found growing wild in many areas of the United States. With a little care, you can grow this herb in your garden from seeds or root cuttings. If you enjoy growing herbs, you will have fun with this one. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Purchase or dig up your root cuttings. Root cuttings from sarsaparilla are available in the fall. You can easily propagate root cuttings from wild sarsaparilla. Select a mother plant with plenty of suckers. Dig near the edge of the plant to select healthy, new root cuttings.
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Remove excess soil from the roots. Store your root cuttings over the cold, winter months by placing them upside down in a bucket of sand. Place the bucket in a cool area until all chance of frost has passed.
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Select an area to plant your sarsaparilla. These plants prefer to grow in areas that are lightly shaded. They can tolerate a small amount of bright sun. Do not plant your sarsaparilla in a location that receives more than a few hours of full sunlight every day. Allow ample room to spread, as these herbs produce many suckers as they mature.
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Prepare the soil. Sarsaparilla can grow in a variety of soils, but does best in soil that is not too heavy in clay. If you have a clay soil, add equal amounts of compost and sand. This type of herb requires moist soil. Add compost and fine mulch if you have soil that dries out rapidly.
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Plant the root cuttings in the prepared bed. Lay them on their side in a horizontal position. Cover with about two inches of soil. Water lightly and continue to keep moist. Young sarsaparilla plants are easily damaged by cold. Protect these herbs during the first winter by placing a protective cover over them, such as a cold frame.
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