Gingsen

Gingsen Care

Panax Ginseng

What is the plant

Ginseng is a plant notable for its healing properties, and its long time association with some of the world's most ancient healing traditions. There are two varieties of ginseng that are the most commonly used medicinally: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), which is native to Manchuria and Korea, and has a long history of medicinal use (in tea and drug form) in China, Korea, and Japan. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) grows throughout the US and parts of Canada, from Quebec and Manitoba to the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. It is also used as a traditional medicine, but the bulk of the crop is dried and exported to Hong Kong, where it is processed into a spice used throughout Southeast Asia.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Shade

Hardiness zone

5 - 9

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Ginseng likes a moist soil and its preference for shady sites means it receives adequate moisture from its surroundings. It's important when planting to choose a spot that mimics ginseng's preferred native locations. Adding a bit of peat moss and leaf litter compost can help create good drainage and moisture retention. Ginseng will not usually require extra watering except in drought conditions.
Fertilizer
If you choose a sit with good rich soil, fertilizer should not be necessary for ginseng plants, and may in fact overburden them and affect their healthy growth.
Sunlight
Ginseng grows best in partial to full shade, under woodland canopy. Too much sunlight can increase competition from other plants. For this reason, longer-lived tree species (such as sugar maple, black walnut, and tulip poplar) that have fuller leaf canopies make for better ginseng habitat than short-lived species. A forest or woodland site with seventy-five percent shade is recommended.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Ginseng grows best in soil that is moist and well-drained, with plenty of organic matter and calcium (the trees mentioned above release calcium into the soil). The site should not be too wet, so flat sites that have a history of flooding are not suitable. Leaf litter is good natural mulch and nutrient for ginseng so choose s pot where leaf litter is plentiful. Ginseng will not grow in heavy compacted or clay soil.
Temperature
Ginseng doesn't like hot temperatures, and should not be grown in zones higher than 7.
Additional
Side effects include inability to fall asleep, increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Overuse or prolonged use may cause over stimulation (diarrhoea, nervousness, skin eruption). Caution with other stimulants needed. Avoid in patients with psychosis and manic disorders. Not recommended during pregnancy and breast feeding