Is your ginseng seed stratified?
Yes! We only sell stratified American ginseng seed grown and harvested in Wisconsin.
Are your 3 year old ginseng rootlets American ginseng grown in the US?
Yes, our ginseng rootlets are from a reliable and disease & pest free ginseng farm in Wisconsin.
What is your seed germination rate?
Over 95% if your site is suitable for growing ginseng. Less than 5 % if your site is not ideal for growing ginseng. Each of our seed is viable and has an excellent embryo inside. Where you plant these seeds will make a huge difference and will impact your success.
I think I have the perfect location for growing ginseng, what type of area/site is best for growing ginseng?
Ginseng occurs naturally throughout the eastern half of North America where the forest flora exist under hardwood timber. Such states are AL(northern), AR, MS, GA(northern), SC(western), NC(western), TN, MO, KY, WV, VA(western), MD, OH, IN, IL, IA, MN, WI, MI, NJ(northwestern), PA, NY, VT, CT, RI, NH, MA, ME and southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada. We have a number of customers who are successfully growing ginseng in northern CA, OR and WA. Ginseng grows best within wild ginseng’s natural range where there is good soil, shade(70-80%), and drainage.
Only 10% of what I planted last year is up now. What seems to be the problem?
There are many factors that may have caused this. First, your site just simply may not be suitable for growing ginseng such as poor drainage & soil content, too dry soil, too shady, too much sun exposure, inadequate Ph level. If your site is good for growing ginseng, there could be many factors to blame including improper planting method(usually planting too deep), deer eating fresh emerged seedlings, and critters include birds(turkeys), slugs, mice, chipmunks eating your seeds, etc.
I am from Hawaii, can I grow ginseng in my state?
No, ginseng does not grow in tropical climates.
If I plant seed this year, would they come up this year?
No. They will come up the following spring time. However, if you plant the stratified seed in early spring, they will come up in the same spring time.
Do you recommend fall planting or spring planting?
Fall planting is preferred. However, if the conditions are ideal, spring planting is also preferred by many in southern states. Spring planting is risky north of VA.
How much seed do I need to plant on an acre of wooded lot?
In general, you would need 20-22 lbs of ginseng seed, about 150,000 seeds.
Do you recommend growing indoor first and then transplant them out in the woods later or simply to just plant them straight in the woods?
No, plant the seed/rootlets straight in the woods and have them start adapting to the environment early.
I know there are 3 different ways to plant ginseng seeds. Broadcasting, Rake and Broadcasting and Hand Planting. Which method is the best for planting ginseng seed?
Hand planting is the best method and yields the best germination rate.
How deep should I plant the seed?
A quarter to half inch deep. Press firmly into the ground and put the dirt back on and then 1-2 inches of leaf litter as mulch on top.
How many seed do I plant per square foot and what is the minimum recommended spacing?
4 seeds per square foot and about 9 inches apart.
I planted seed too closely last year and now the seedlings are up too closely together. When is the best time to relocate them?
After the full 2nd year growth. For example, once the first year seedling coming up in April, transplant them in August of the next year.
How long does it take before I can harvest?
7-10 years before they grow to marketable size. The longer it stays in the ground and grows, the more valuable the ginseng becomes.
If I plant every year do I harvest every year later on?
Absolutely.
When can I harvest my own seeds and start to re-propagate?
Once the ginseng plant reaches 4-5 years in the woods, you can harvest your own seeds.
Do I use any fertilizer and pesticides during their growth?
No. This is wild simulated ginseng that you are trying to grow. Ginseng root that grows close to wild will be a lot more valuable than carrot-looking roots. Once you plant them, let nature take over.
Once I receive the seed and if I don’t plant them right away, how do I store the seed?
Store them in a cool place such as in the basement. Mix the seeds by shaking the bag every 2-3 days until planting time. Refrigerator would also works but in some occasions if you keep them in it for a long time, it causes additional dormant year.
Once I receive the rootlets and if I don’t plant them right away, how do I store the rootlets?
Keep them in the refrigerator with the bag slightly open to allow air flow.
What is the shelf life for stratified ginseng seed?
Whether they are in the ground or not, they will germinate in the spring. It is best for the seed to be planted and be in the ground before the winter comes.
Thank you for shipping out so quickly. I just receive my seeds today. Unfortunately they sat in my mail box for about 4 hours in the hot sun. Will they be OK?
Perfectly fine. Ginseng seeds need temperature fluctuations before they come up in the spring time.
Do you ship seed every business day?
Yes, starting September 1st.
What carrier do you use for your shipping?
We use USPS First Cass Mail or Priority Mail with a tracking number.
I have a P.O. Box. Do you deliver to a P.O. Box?
Yes.
How long would it take to deliver my order once I place an order?
We ship within 24 hours during weekdays after receiving the order. It normally takes 2-5 business days depending on where you are located. If you order less than a pound, we use USPS First Class Mail. A pound or more of ginseng seed orders and all rootlets orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail.
I am worried that my seed/rootlets dried during delivery. How are they shipped?
You do not have to worry. The seed is already moist enough and shipped in a zip-lock bag with air holes. The rootlets are shipped with moist peat moss in a zip-lock bag so they stay moist during transportation.
If I pre-order the seed/rootlets combo, do I receive the seed first or are they shipped together when rootlets are available?
They will be shipped together once the rootlets are available for shipment.
What does stratified ginseng seed mean?
After the fresh ginseng seeds are picked, the seeds are then stored in the ground mixed with sand over one winter and spring.
Why do you not ship ginseng rootlets before October?
Every year, when the ginseng plant completely goes dormant, that is the time we dig and start shipping to our customers.
I would like to sell my freshly dug wild ginseng. Do you buy wild ginseng?
Only if you harvest from PA, NY and VT. We are licensed in these states.