Withania somnifera (Indian Ginseng) is an annual or perennial plant that is native to India, the Middle East and Africa. Most parts of Indian Ginseng are toxic except for the roots which have been used medicinally for centuries to assist with sleep.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical Climates.
The roots of Withania somnifera are commercially sold under the name Ashwagandha while the plant is also sometimes called Winter Cherry and Poison Gooseberry. All parts of the plant except for the roots are toxic and should not be ingested.
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Growth
Withania somnifera is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a compact height of 120cm (4 feet) tall by 100cm (3 feet) wide. Indian Ginseng is part of the Tomato and Capsicum family and follow similar growing traits. Plants do well as perennials in warm climates but can be grown as an annual in temperate climates.
Seeds are best sown after the last frost when day time temperatures exceed 15°C / 62°F or all year round in warmer climates. The primary reason for growing Indian Ginseng is for the roots which can be harvested in as little as 130-150 days which fits into the temperate calendar from Spring to Autumn.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Solanaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-35°C / 50-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 120cm (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 100cm (3 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen Shrub. Annual or Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
130-150 days
GERMINATION RATES:
65-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
5-21 days at temperatures between 15-25°C / 62-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 650
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (Indian Ginseng)
The Latin species name, somnifera translates to sleep-inducing which is one of the plants primary benefits. The sanskrit-derived term of Ashwagandha is a combination made from ashva meaning horse and gandha meaning smell as the root has a strong horse-like odor.
Leaves of Indian Ginseng are used as an insect repellent, the fruits are rich in saponins and are sometimes used as a soap substitute while the root is used in Africa to ward off large predators such as lions and tigers.
A poultice can be made and applied to boils, wounds and muscle swellings and is used to treat bed sores.
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