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pjames_gw

Ginseng and Goldenseal

20 years ago

I recently visited the in-laws in TN and brought back a few ginseng and goldenseal plants. I planted a few in my shade garden and a few in pots. My father-in-law told me he didn't think the plants would survive in northern Louisiana.

Does anyone know the reason they might not? I've never heard of anybody here growing them, but thought I'd give it a shot.

Comments (5)

  • 20 years ago

    Which species of ginseng do you have? I assume Panax quinquefolium (the American ginseng), about which I don't have much information. I can provide some information about Panax gingseng (the Chinese ginseng) if you that would help.

    Apparently the American species and goldenseal grow well together. It doesn't say so in the following, but goldenseal is partially parasitic on certain grasses or other plants, and won't do well without them. I don't know if ginseng is one of them.

    Anyway, here's what I have on goldenseal. I didn't include the information on growing from seed, since you already have the plant.

    Grown from seed, the plant will yield a mature root in 5-6 years. Prefers humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil and shade, such as that provided by hardwood trees such as oak or poplar. Tolerates a variety of soil types, except heavy clay or sandy soils. Prefers a pH around 5.5-6.5. It takes 2-4 years to yield a mature root from a 2 year old seedling. Tops will appear the second summer after planting. Most first-year seedlings develop only a cotyledon  true leaves appear the second year, and sets of true leaves and flowers appear in the third year. Each plant can produce a single, green, raspberry-like fruit which turns red and ripens in summer. The plant dies down slowly after the fruit matures. Mature plants should be dug up after 4-5 years, as the main root will rot after that. The runners will continue on and will reseed. Because they like similar conditions, Goldenseal and ginseng can be grown successfully together.

    Harvesting: Harvest the leaves at the last moment before they start to drop, and dry for future use. Harvest the roots of plants at least 6 years old in autumn, after the tops have died down. Wash carefully, then dry them until they snap cleanly, but not until they are brittle. To collect seed, harvest the fruit when fully rip. Mash the fruit and ferment for several days in water until the flesh can be easily removed from the seed. Then decant and rinse with fresh water until the seeds are clean. The seed is small, round, black and hard, and should never be allowed to dry out.

  • 20 years ago

    Well, unfortunately, and I know this well. The heat might get to them... especially the goldenseal. BUT maybe not... no harm in trying. Probably do better for you than me, it doesn't rain here in the summer and I'd be constantly watering them. Try to treat them like they are in TN... :o)

  • 19 years ago

    A followup to my original post a year later..

    None of the ginseng in the ground survived. One potted plant survived probably because I moved it into my garage for the winter.

    Yesterday I noticed a single goldenseal leaf. So I am going to try to keep it going and possibly get a piece into a pot.

  • 19 years ago

    Below is a link to Ginseng production, it requires shade and does not respond well to drought and heat. It is a temperate plant and needs a cold winter during which it is dormant. Golenseal requires similar conditions.

    Here is a link that might be useful: ginseng

  • 19 years ago

    I live in E. Tn and don't know what Goldenseal looks like. I would like to trade for some rooted plants -
    I have rooted wisteria and some Japanese maple seeds, probably other stuff but let me know. Thanks!