Although you can’t find ashwagandha plants outside of Nepal and India everywhere, you can easily grow them in your garden.
Also known as the Indian ginseng, this potent medicinal herb is one of the most popular ones in Ayrvedic medicine. It’s considered helpful for strength and vitality and herbalist promote it as an adaptogen for a variety of conditions.
Nowadays, it can be found in supplement form; however, it’s quite expensive. So, why not try and grow your own supplies without having to spend a small fortune and with little care?
What Kind of Plant Is Ashwagandha?
This perennial her grows naturally in zone 6-but people in colde zones grow it succesfully, despite these climates not being exaclty same as those in India.
People succesfully grow it as an annual herb and collect the medicinal root prior to the first frost.
What Kind of Soil Does this Plant Want?
Ashwangadha varieties grow optimally in dry soil and are known as drought-tolerant. It should also drain well and have a slightly alkaline pH. Avoid soil that retains a lot of moisture and causes the plant to go waterlogged!
You can start them from seeds in soil which is at least 70 degrees F. In around 2 weeks, the seeds germinate.
After this happens, the plant needs between 70 and 95 degrees temperature to thrive. Remember to water them regularly while establishing.
Afterwards, sporadic watering will be enough, considering this drought-resistant properties.
To plant the seeds, do it 4 or 6 inches deep and 20 inches apart.
Where to Place Ashwangadha Plants?
The best place would be a sunny and dry location in the garden.
Do I Need to Fertilize Ashwangadha?
Since it will be used for medical purposes, if you feed it, always opt for an organic option. For example, compost or aged manure and place it near the plant’s base.
What about Overwintering?
If you happen to grow it in cooler climates, overwinter your plant inside. Always maintain a 50 to 60 degrees F temperature or grow it in spring and summer as an annual plant.
The Best Part: Harvesting Your Ashwangadha?
In around 150 to 180 days, when the berries and flowers form, the leaves will begin to dry and it’s time for harvesting.
To harvest the roots, dig carefully with a smaller tool. Make sure you don’t damage the plant. To prevent this, ensure the soil is a bit moist.
After you harvested them, separate the roots and barriers. Wash and clean the roots and cut them into smaller chunks and leave them to dry.
The berries can also be dried and crushed and the seeds removed.
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