How to Grow American Ginseng in Virginia
- 1). Plant American ginseng from September to February for spring sprouting. Choose an outdoor location under trees, where ginseng can take advantage of the shade, moisture and natural mulch of the forest. If you can't offer a fully shaded location under trees, prepare pots for the ginseng, to control the environment. Fill 8-inch plastic pots with peat moss for American ginseng, and prepare one pot per ginseng root.
- 2). Brush aside any leaf clutter if you're planting in an outdoor site, and plant American ginseng roots or seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in the natural soil. These plants like plenty of separation in their growing sites. Plant the roots 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in both outdoor and potted situations, then cover them with 1 inch of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
- 3). Keep potted ginseng in areas that are shaded and cool, with protection from drying winds. Water potted ginseng to match the natural rainfall in Virginia, as the plant grows native to this area. Until the ginseng is established, you may have to water it if it does not receive the regular rainfall it needs. Give plants an average of 3 to 4 inches of water a week in winter, and 1 to 2 inches of water a week in summer. Allow outdoor ginseng to survive on natural Virgina rainfall. Expect American ginseng to sprouting in spring, but allow seven to eight years for the plants to mature.