How to Grow Panax Ginseng

Ginseng farming is a lucrative business.

Anybody with an interest in herbal medicine, or simply wanting to make money from gardening, can benefit greatly from panax ginseng. This particular ginseng, which is often called Asian, Chinese and Korean Ginseng, is the most widely used type of ginseng. The ginseng root has been used as medicine for dozens of ailments throughout China for thousands of years. The demand for this root is immense, which increases the value--often more than $500 per pound. Ginseng typically takes at least seven years to reach a desirable size, so it is a slow but profitable crop.

Things You'll Need

• Hoe
• Water
• Dead leaves

Instructions

1. Find an ideal spot to plant the ginseng seeds. Ginseng does best in moist, wooded areas that get shade at least 70 percent of the day. If you do not have access to woods, choose the most heavily-shaded spot in your yard.

2. Loosen the soil to a depth of six inches with a hoe. Remove all weeds, stones or other plants that may restrict growth.

3. Plant the ginseng seeds one-quarter inch deep, with each seed spaced six inches apart. Cover each seed lightly with soil.

4. Water the soil thoroughly so it is moist to a depth of six inches. Ginseng needs plenty of moisture to grow.

5. Cover the planting site with one inch of dead, rotting leaves. The leaves help keep the soil moist and also provide nutrients to the soil.

6. Check the soil moisture every day. Do not let it dry out at any point, as it may kill the young seedlings. Continue this watering regimen every day for the entire life span of the ginseng.

7. Repeat the process every year. After a few years, your first ginseng plants should begin to produce seed-bearing berries that can be used to grow new ginseng roots. After several years of planting new seeds, you will eventually get an annual harvest.

8. Harvest the roots once they reach seven years old. Carefully dig around the roots with your hands and pull them out to harvest them.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your best to keep the plants concealed. Due to the value of ginseng, people may be tempted to steal your crop.

• Do not use oak leaves to cover the seeds, as they may restrict growth.

References

• Wild Grown: Growing Ginseng
• American Academy of Family Physicians: Panax Ginseng
• RX List: Panax Ginseng