Wholesale Ginseng

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information about ginseng

description
American ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family and is an erect, perennial, forest herb with a single stem 20-61 cm (8-24 in.) tall. At the top of the stem is a whorl of 1-4 leaves; each leaf is palmately divided into 3-5 stalked leaflets. Each leaflet is obovate in shape, has a toothed margin, and a narrowly pointed tip. The small, greenish flowers are arranged in a solitary stalked umbel that rises above the leaves. In late summer, the umbel produces a cluster of red, berrylike fruits.

common names & nomenclature
The English word ginseng derives from the Chinese term rénshēn. Rén means "man" and shēn means "plant root"; this refers to the root's characteristic forked shape, which resembles the legs of a man.

Also known as:
american ginseng, huaqishen,

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for ginseng

Panax quinquefolius is native to eastern North America, though it is also cultivated in places such as China.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting ginseng

climate
Prefers shaded forest habitats, typically the forests have a closed canopy of mature Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Tilia americana (basswood), or Quercus rubra (red oak). Panax quinquefolius does not tolerate habitats that are seasonally flooded, such as might be found along a stream or river, or the edge of a marsh.

soil
Wild Panax quinquefolius grows only in well-developed forest soil, typically mesic loamy soil.

growing
Sow seed in a shady location in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady location in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent locations in late summer.

harvesting
Ginseng roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6-7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried.

preserving
Ginseng root is dried in pieces, more typically ground into a powder. Dried ginseng should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

ginseng history, folklore, literature & more