Jim, those are some nice sized ginseng plants.

At least once a month I am up in the rich cove forests around Gadsden and know of several spots of private land where it would thrive. (And one spot where we found 3 lonely plants.) If you collect ripe seed we can absolutely get it seeded in some good spots.

Its the root people are after? I saw a show on this and had no idea it grew in the US. I thought it was strictly an Asian herb/plant but apparently the US variety is just as good.

Yes, people dig the roots, and generally they are exported to China. It takes a *long* time for the roots to develop to harvestable size yet the plants reproduce slowly and is killed when harvested. The wild harvesters are driving it extinct instead of harvesting it at a sustainable rate.

hey alabamanicole, it takes a long time for the seeds to germinate. seeds harvested this year will sprout in 2015. the plants take about 7-10 years to reach harvestable size, 3-4 years to produce seeds. the problem is that people dig the root all times of the year; if they don't dig 'em, somebody else will. a dried root dug in june looks ,and sells , just like a root dug in september. the good side of ginseng is spreading the seeds out, knowing mother nature is smiling. Jim

So what's going on with folks' ginseng? Is a harsh winter good or bad for it? Am I too far south to grow it?

I'm located in Anniston, AL

Brother Jim, I am interested in getting some of those American Ginseng plants and seeds if you can send me some. Please let me know. My Email is: barefoot60@aol.com Brother David - Louisiana

Same here, Jim. I would be glad to try to get some started in a few places. I live just a little bit south of Birmingham.

Know this is an old thread but I would love some seeds to start. I am living in the southern end of the talladega national forest. Please email me at bcwbarb@yahoo.com

Thanks

Barb

chollymac

Hey...boys!!! Land on military bases is more restricted than any other, and the public knows it is not permitted to trespass on it. Soldiers, on the other hand, generally come from far away and have no idea what ginseng looks like. So get yourself a buddy that works out on the Post and get him to help you get a Pass. Then get him to go with you out there and walk around in the woods.....and try not to step on it. Get the seeds you will use and the root YOU will use. Leave all the rest of it where it is. It really is a magic little plant, and when you dig it up and sell it you are mistreating it.