You can check your state’s registry of licensed ginseng dealers to find one in your area. There may be several in your area that you can visit to find the best price for your product. If you want to cut out the middle man and sell and export ginseng yourself, then you might consider getting a dealer license. The rules for dealer licensing vary by state, so check to find out what your state’s regulations are. You will at least need to complete an application and pay a fee. [2] X Research source Some people also sell their ginseng on an auction site, such as eBay. However, you will still need to have an export license to do this. [3] X Research source
The field cultivation method results in a mature plant at 4 years, but requires intensive labor, greater risk of disease spreading, and roughly $20,000 to $40,000 per acre. [6] X Research source Most small scale farmers opt for the method described here instead, which results in a much more valuable plant and costs roughly $2,600 plus labor. Note that these costs are rough estimates.
If you are not sure whether ginseng can be grown in your region, search online or contact your state or region’s wildlife management department.
Of the 19 U. S. states that allow ginseng harvesting, 18 of them require any plants harvested to be at least 5 years old with 3 leaves, while Illinois requires the plants to be at least 10 years old with 4 leaves. [9] X Research source
Probably the best way to determine if a site is appropriate is to look for wild ginseng growing there. Since wild ginseng is so rare, you can also get some idea of suitability if “companion plants” such as trillium, cohosh, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild yam, goldenseal, Solomon’s seal, wild ginger, or rattlesnake ferns are present. [11] X Research source Search for pictures of these online and check which grow in your area, or have a local botanist assist you. In addition, be aware that ginseng poachers are a serious problem: Be sure to choose a spot that is hidden from public view and not near a hiking trail or roadway.
Soil with the right level of moisture should not ball up in your hand or stick to your skin when you squeeze it. Some growers prefer a more neutral pH between 6 and 7. Unfortunately, there have not been enough definitive studies to determine the perfect environment for ginseng, but it should grow adequately in any pH range from 4 to 7.
Note that ginseng is able to grow in areas with lower calcium or phosphate, but may produce smaller roots or grow more slowly. Consider spacing the plants further apart in these situations so plants aren’t competing for the same nutrients. Also, be sure to test and amend the soil once every year
Soft, moldy, or discolored seeds are not suitable for planting. You may be able to return them to the seller for a replacement. Order seeds in advance in July or August, and have them delivered in the fall. Waiting until fall will likely leave you with the lowest quality seeds.
Place a small amount of seeds in a pouch made of lightweight mesh, tied with wire. In autumn, bury the pouch under 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13cm) of loose, shaded soil. Cover with several inches (~10cm) of mulch. Mark the location well and keep it moist, but not soaked. Place a large amount of seeds in a special container to drain water and keep out rodents. Construct a wooden box with a screen top and bottom, up to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30cm) deep if you have enough seeds for several layers. Fill the box with alternating layers of moist sand and seeds. Bury the box with the top 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5cm) below the soil. Cover with mulch and mark the location. Water it if the soil dries out.
You may also treat your seeds with a fungicide, but make sure it is safe for use on ginseng first.
Plant the seeds 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) apart if you plan to harvest large, 7+ year old ginseng. This is a typical planting method for wild-simulated ginseng, as the wide spacing reduces the risk of disease spreading. Plant as little as 1 inch apart if you have a large number of seeds and want to harvest sooner. [16] X Research source This method is more commonly used for field-cultivated ginseng, since the densely planted ginseng must be carefully watched and treated for disease and pest control. It is not recommended for first time growers.
Do not use whole oak leaves. These are too tough and large for sprouts to grow through. Shred them first if you have already bought oak leaf mulch.
You may also plant ginseng in other areas each year during the fall to develop an ongoing harvest. Many growers do this so they have mature ginseng to harvest each year after the first batch matures.
Keep in mind that you may lose your organic certification or your credibility in selling wild-simulated ginseng if you use pesticides.
If your ginseng is planted densely, harvest after 4 years or the roots might begin to dwindle These roots will not be as valuable, however.
Note: Ginseng plants typically grow at a 45º angle into the soil, not straight down, and will fork into several sections. Dig carefully and make sure you don’t break the root. [20] X Research source
Do not scrub the roots or wash them too vigorously—some of the medicinal chemicals are concentrated in the root hairs, and removal of these hairs will decrease the usefulness and value of the root. Small roots take a day or two to dry, but large, mature roots may take up to six weeks. [21] X Research source Direct sunlight usually dries the roots too fast, but if you see any mold or discoloration growing, put them in direct sun for a few hours to kill the infection.
