Find how to Grow Ashwagandha in the Home and Garden with our expert tips, and enjoy its medicinal properties year-round.
Grow Ashwagandha in the Home and Garden and reap the benefits of this popular adaptogenic herb. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, with the right information and tools, you can successfully cultivate this medicinal plant at home.
Common Names: Indian Ginseng, Indian Winter cherry, Ashwagandha
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
USDA Zones: 8-12
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as “Indian ginseng,” is a valuable plant in Ayurvedic medicine. This low-growing perennial can reach up to 3 feet in height, with long, yellow-green elliptical leaves. Its tiny bell-shaped flowers give way to bright orange-red berries.
The roots of this plant have medicinal properties that can treat debility, anemia, and impotency. Consistent use of this plant can help improve one’s vigor and immune system.
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How to Grow Ashwagandha
Propagating and Planting Ashwagandha
To propagate Ashwagandha, gardeners typically use seeds. Farmers in India cultivate this plant in areas with low rainfall by sowing the seeds right before the rainy season begins, when temperatures range from 75-85 F (25-30 C) in hot and humid conditions.
Ashwagandha is drought-tolerant and can grow in dry soil once it is established.
- In order to cultivate ashwagandha, one should plant the seeds 0.8 inches (2 cm) deep and 4 inches (10 cm) apart when the temperature is approximately 70 F (20 C).
- The seeds will typically germinate within two weeks. While the seedlings are established, they should be watered well.
- After a month of growth, thin out the weak plants, leaving around 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) of space between each plant.
Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
After the last frost, plant the ashwagandha seeds in pots directly outdoors. Once the seedlings are 35 to 40 days old, you can transplant them into a pot with well-drained sandy soil. Plant the seedlings at a depth of 0.4 to 1.2 inches (1-3 cm) into the soil.
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Requirements to Grow Ashwagandha in the Home and Garden
Location
For best results, plant ashwagandha in a dry and sunny location within your garden. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, enrich it by adding manure. Before planting, make sure to remove any weeds or debris from the chosen planting site to ensure optimal growth conditions for the ashwagandha plant.
Soil
Ashwagandha thrives in sandy and well-draining soil that allows water to drain out quickly. The pH level of the soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline, with a range of 7.5-8 being ideal.
However, it is important to avoid planting ashwagandha in soil that retains moisture and becomes waterlogged, as this can inhibit its growth.
Water
To care for ashwagandha, it is best to water the plant economically and only when it appears to be thirsty. As a drought-resistant herb, ashwagandha does not thrive with excessive moisture and can be prone to issues if overwatered. Therefore, it is important to avoid giving the plant “wet feet” by monitoring its watering needs carefully.
Temperature
The optimal temperature range for ashwagandha growth is between 70 F and 95 F (20-35 C). If the temperature falls below or rises above this range, the plant may grow slower.
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Ashwagandha Plant Care
Fertilizer
Like ginseng, ashwagandha is typically not fertilized due to the medicinal uses of its roots. However, organic fertilizers such as aged manure or compost can be applied near the base of the plant to support its growth.
Overwintering
If one is growing ashwagandha in a cooler climate, it is recommended to keep the plant indoors or cultivate it as an annual plant in the spring and summer.
To maintain the plant’s health, it is important to keep it in a temperature range of 50-60 F (10-15 C) to ensure optimal growth.
Pests and Diseases
The ashwagandha plant is susceptible to pest infestations such as spider mites, as well as diseases including leaf spot, stem, and leaf rot.
Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid excessive watering to prevent damage to the plant.
Harvesting Ashwagandha Root
When the ashwagandha plant begins to form flowers and berries, and its leaves start to dry out, it is ready to be harvested, typically around 150-180 days after planting.
To harvest the ashwagandha roots, carefully dig around the plant using a small tool, taking care not to damage the plant in the process. It is important to ensure that the soil has some moisture while harvesting the roots to prevent them from drying out or becoming damaged.
After separating the Ashwagandha plant’s roots and berries from the plant, wash and clean them. Cut the roots into small pieces of 2-4 inches (7-10 cm) and dry them in the sun or shade. Also, separate the berries, dry them, and crush them to remove the seeds.
