According to some beliefs, the Ginseng plant might run away over the years. Although this movement isn’t too far, they might move a couple of cms away from their original spot.
Researchers say that the Ginseng plant doesn’t remain at the same spot while they grow. and they might move away from the place they started to grow. If the soil is not fertile enough, they might slowly move to more fertile soils to maintain their productivity.
This movement takes place due to typical survival instincts. But this movement is very small and they move only a few centimeters every few years.
The belief that Ginseng runs away is a traditional saying in Asian countries. However, some Ginseng producers tie a red rope to their roots so they don’t move.
When the soil is not fertile enough for Ginseng to survive, they prefer more fertile soils and move there slowly. This movement is very small and takes years.
What Are The Growth Characteristics of Ginseng?
Ginseng are not very sensitive to extreme temperatures which means they can easily survive in too hot or cold weather.
One of the other most known characteristics of Ginseng is that they don’t like to receive sunlight directly. That’s why they prefer to grow in forests with high tree densities.
Since the trees in the forest act as filters, They don’t get the sunlight directly and protect themselves from extreme temperatures, but enough sunlight must come through to keep the soil temperatures warm.
Ginseng plants like fertile soils and if their patch of soil dries up of nutrients, they might move away slowly over the years.
The quality of the soil is very important for Ginseng plant growth. They also like humid weather. Moisture is a must for them.
They are also renowned for their cold resistance. They can survive even under harsh climatic conditions. High temperatures or extremely cold weather do not affect their growth but they prefer temperate climates.
Although they resist extreme temperatures, it’s not recommended to grow these plants under extreme weather conditions for optimal results.
Another known feature of the Ginseng plant is that it hibernates. Thus they don’t get affected by extreme cold. They close themselves off during the winter and continue to grow again the next spring.
Can Ginseng Spread?
Ginseng can spread easily, their roots can stretch more than 12 inches, but it takes a while before you can harvest them. The growth of the Ginseng plant takes years. A Ginseng plant takes at least 4 years to mature and its roots to reach this length.
That’s why you need to be very patient if you wish to do grow Ginseng for profit. You must also be careful during cultivation, as any infections spread quickly throughout a Ginseng farm because the plants grow close together.
How Long Will Ginseng Live?
The Ginseng plant is a perennial herb that might live more than 50 years under certain circumstances. According to studies, researchers suggest that some of the Ginseng plants growing in Asia are around 70-80 years old.
This perennial herb is really good at surviving in nature. They reach maturity around 4-5 years and after this period they keep growing if they are not harvested.
You can harvest the Ginseng plant after they are 4 years old. If you want to know how old your ginseng plant is you need to check the traces on its roots.
If it has more than 4 traces, that means this Ginseng plant has reached maturity.
Every year, the Ginseng plant carries a trace of the old root during root change. These traces show the age of the Ginseng Plant.
Can Ginseng Grow in the Same Place Twice?
Ginseng can’t be grown in the same soil because of replanting issues. Although the exact cause of replant disease is unknown, there is no cure for this disease either.
For Ginseng to grow in the same spot you would have to completely change the soil. this is possible and easy if growing one or two plants in pots but for large Ginseng cultivators, this is a problem.
Producers try to ensure the continuity of the generation and obtain new ginseng plants for the next harvest by planting seeds in the nearby soil, but not the exact same patch.
However, due to the replant disease, some plants of the same species fail to grow in the following years.
How Deep Do Ginseng Roots Grow?
Ginseng roots can grow to an average depth of 3 inches, and across up to 12 inches. You should sow Ginseng seeds at least 1 inch deep in the fall.
The roots should be given a depth of at least 3 inches of soil. Ginseng plants like a moist environment and humid environments play an important role in the development of Ginseng with strong roots.
After planting, you should pay attention to the humidity of the environment. Another important factor is shade.
Ginseng likes shady places, this also helps to moderate the temperature of the soil for healthy root growth.
What Does a Ginseng Seed Look Like?
Ginseng seeds are odorless and dark in appearance. They are form and an off-whitish color. They are around the same size as a dried bean.
The right timing is the most important factor in purchasing seeds. If you buy seeds at the wrong time, you can store them in the refrigerator before sowing. If you buy a seed that isn’t layered properly, it probably won’t germinate for long.
How Long Does It Take Ginseng Seeds to Sprout?
The Ginseng plant needs to go through several hot and cold seasons for seeding. This period varies between 18-24 months on average.
Some Ginseng plants sprout earlier, but the longer the period, the faster the development of the plant after sprouting.
You should plant the seeds in the soil at an average depth of 3 inches. The seed will sprout when suitable weather conditions occur and the growth phase of your Ginseng plant will begin.
