Plant Profile

Wild-Simulated Ginseng

About Ginseng

  • Botanical Name: Panax quinquefolius
  • Common Name: Wild-Simulated Ginseng
  • Family: Araliaceae
  • Germination: 5 to 7 years from stratified seeds
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Medicinal: Yes
  • Sunlight: Shade
  • Plant Food: FoxFarm Big Bloom for Organic Gardening
  • Seed Depth: 1/2 to 3/4 inch
  • Size: 8 to 16 inches tall
  • Spacing: 1 plant per square foot
  • Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Rating

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Companion Plants for Ginseng

To maintain the health of your wild simulated ginseng plants, companion planting may be helpful since these herbs prefer light shade from taller perennials such as rhubarb (Rheum) or blueberry bushes (Vaccinium). Rhubarb prefers a sunny location and has an extensive root system which helps to keep the soil loose for wild simulated ginseng roots. Blueberries are also good companions since their large leaves provide some shade, making it easier for your wild simulated ginseng plant to thrive in full or partial sunlight conditions.

Harvesting Ginseng

Harvesting wild simulated ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) can be done in the spring or fall, though it is best to wait until late autumn when the root has fully grown and matured. To harvest ginseng roots from the wild, first locate an area with a high concentration of plants. Then remove all leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds to expose the plant's root system before gently removing the soil around it using your hands or small tools such as trowels, spades, forks, or even hand-operated weeders if you are not sure about the exact location of roots. Be careful when digging up ginseng plants; avoid damaging them by being patient and taking turns with other gatherers to minimize impact on these sensitive plants!

Nutritional Data for Ginseng

Wild Simulated Ginseng (also known as American Ginseng) contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including Vitamin C, Manganese, Niacin, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, Copper, Folate, Iron, Potassium, Protein, Selenium, Thiamine, Zinc, Calcium, Fatty Acids, and Water-Soluble Fiber. Additionally, it is known to contain a wide range of active compounds with potential health benefits such as Ginsenosides, Polysaccharides, Phenylethanoid glycoside, Flavonoids, Volatile oils, Amino acids, and Fatty acids.

Selection & Storage

Dry your ginseng immediately if possible. Wrap each root individually in paper towels (preferably unscented), then put all of them in a closed container with silica gel packets or rice to absorb excess moisture. This will prevent mold growth during drying. You can also use an air conditioner to help speed up the process by blowing dry cool air on the roots for about 1-2 hours daily, but be aware that overdrying may cause cracking and crumbling of root tissue.

Tips For Using Ginseng

Health Benefits

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Boots immune system
  • Reduces blood glucose levels in diabetes type 2
  • Reduces stress

Medical Disclaimer

Bounty Gardens is strictly an information website about gardening and wellness topics. It is not intended for medical advice. It does not take the place of medical advice or treatment from a physician. Readers should consult their own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for specific health concerns and questions. Bounty Gardens does not recommend or endorse any products.