TOPIC: Growing ginseng in SC

I recently ordered ginseng seeds and am trying to decide when would be a good time to plant them in Spartanburg, SC. If I plant them now, in September, and they sprout, will they survive the winter? Should I wait until November or December to plant them?

What is the best fertilizer to use?

Where can I purchase forestry sand? What is the difference between forestry sand and other sand?

Liz

Liz, I don't think they will sprout until spring. I do not know how cold it gets down your way but, ginseng needs two cold and then warming spells to germinate. If you have stratified seed it already has had one full cycle. You can plant now, or anytiime between now and spring, and they should sprout in the spring. Keep the seeds moist- that'e the biggy! If they get dry, they die and will not sprout. With that in mind, if it is dry there, it may be better to plant later in the fall when there may be more moisture in the ground. Keep them in a plastic bag in the fridge and keep them moist or damp, but not wet. Hope this helps.