Ginseng grows in many countries, especially in Japan, Korea, and America. Apart from these countries, other countries can grow ginseng but not in abundance, they do, however, produce plants very similar to Ginseng but are a slightly different species.
The Ginseng plant also grows well in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. These plants, whose cultivation is legal according to licenses granted by the state, are exported almost all over the world. The Ginseng plant is frequently found in high-altitude mountains and forests and is especially populous on the northern and east-facing slopes of the mountains.
How Do I Find Wild Ginseng?
The Ginseng plant grows in hardwood forests and on the northern and eastern sides of slopes.
Ginseng prefers shaded areas, and lack of direct sunlight helps Ginseng to grow healthy and strong. Too much sunlight can give Ginseng growth abnormalities, and it is not natural for them to seek out such sunlight. Always check the shady spots for naturally growing Ginseng.
Ginseng is a robust plant that can survive in very hot or cold temperatures. However, excessive temperatures, either way, can spoil the plant, or stunt its growth. Extreme cold triggers hibernation, and it will take longer to grow. Excessive heat can dry up the natural water resources cause the plant to die or develop abnormalities.
Moisture is very important for Ginseng growth, like any other plant. These plants show a balanced growth momentum when exposed to moisture and humidity. So warm, muggy climates are great for Ginseng.
It is possible to come across Ginseng plants in forests where beech trees, maple trees, oak trees, and tulip poplar trees grow.
You can also often find Ginseng plants in dark soils with high leaf debris.
How To Identify The Ginseng Plant?
The Ginseng plant has a leafy spiral stem. In addition, the Ginseng plant has white and greenish flowers that produce red fruits when the ripening period is over.
They grow in hardwood forests and flourish in the autumn months. They have 3-5 pronged leaves that are oval in shape.
It is very difficult to find Ginseng in its natural environment, but if you come across a Ginseng plant, it may be possible to find even more growth in the same spot nearby.
The Ginseng plant grows in clusters but can grow singularly.
When Should Ginseng be Harvested?
Only ripe, mature Ginseng should be harvested. To understand whether Ginseng is ripe or not, look for the red berries that grow at the top of the plant. If the fruits have turned from green to red, it means that the Ginseng is ripe.
Another way to tell when the Ginseng plant is ripe is to count the scars at the root base. Each scar corresponds to a year.
If you find 4 or more scars in a Ginseng plant, the plant is ready for harvesting. Harvesting a plant younger than this will not yield any health benefits and will not help the plant to reproduce to the next generation.
Replacing the plant that you picked helps keep the Ginseng population thriving, and ensures that Ginseg can be found and harvested in subsequent years.
Why is Growing Ginseng Illegal?
Ginseng roots have been used around the world for centuries as a healing agent. Many people from different societies seek the healing properties of Ginseng, and they are increasing in popularity each day.
There are many reasons why it is illegal to collect Ginseng plants. Firstly, Ginseng is a plant that has a maturation period that lasts for many years, and Ginseng picked before this period can result in the species disappearing.
Many unconscientious hunters cut off their roots before the plants mature, causing these plants to die before they can develop.
This harmful collection process can lead to the extinction of the Ginseng species. In particular, large profit margins are obtained from the collection of wild Ginseng found in nature.
When this happens, many Ginseng hunters who are not experts in their field are unconsciously causing the extinction of this species.
The time required for Ginseng to grow is 4-5 years on average, but many hunters pick and destroy the Ginseng before they even reach half of their required age.
Within the scope of the laws set by the states to prevent unconscientious producers and money hunters, only those who have a production license are legally supported by the states.
Ginseng production is now a highly regulated business, which requires as much dedication and patience with paperwork as waiting for the plant to flourish.
What Climate Does Ginseng Grow Best in?
The Ginseng plant is a species that can easily adapt to hot and cold climates. While some plants burn up and dry out in extreme heat or face the danger of freezing in cold climate conditions, Ginseng can survive both extremes by triggering a hibernation response.
The Ginseng plant is incredibly adaptable to both of these weather conditions. However, excessive heat or cold is not very favorable for the growth of Ginseng. The plant will continue to hibernate and not grow or show growth abnormalities.
Ginseng plants like temperate climates. If you are going to grow Ginseng plants indoors, you will need to simulate the compatible climatic conditions in nature.
Ginseng grows in tree forests by filtering from the sun’s rays and seeking out shade.
Therefore you have to create a virtual shade close to 80%. In addition, annual average precipitation of 50 inches and temperatures of 50 degrees F provides the necessary favorable environment for the healthy growth of Ginseng.
Can Ginseng Grow in Tropical Climates?
Ginseng is a strong plant that is resistant to all kinds of weather conditions. Extremely hot and cold temperatures do not affect the growth of Ginseng, but although Ginseng is known for its resistance to harsh climatic conditions, temperate climates are always more favorable for Ginseng.
Ginseng is not easily affected by hot weather and can grow in almost any climate so long as there is sufficient water. Retrospectively, this plant hibernates in harsh winter climates and is not affected in any way by the cold weather.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
