INDIAN ASHWAGANDHA Seeds
• Heirloom Medicinal Herb
• Non-GMO
• American Grown Seeds
• Perennial
• USDA Zone: 8-11
Step aside, stress and anxiety—Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera), is here. This ancient medicinal herb is renowned for its adaptogenic qualities, helping your body manage stress better. But that's not all. With its bright green leaves, small, bell-shaped flowers, and red berries, it's also an attractive addition to any garden. Cultivate your very own stress-buster and add a touch of tranquility to your garden with Ashwagandha.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Plant Ashwagandha seeds in a location with full sun to light shade. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ashwagandha prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
What Is Ashwagandha?
One of the most valuable plants in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia is ashwagandha. Because of its exceptional capacity to hydrate the entire body, it is referred to as the top Ayurvedic tonic. It increases the body's capacity to deal with stress, allowing it to store and maintain important energy all day while encouraging sound, peaceful sleep at night. As an adaptogen, it not only ranks well among Ayurveda's top medicines for energy but also promotes mental calmness.
Optimal Growing Conditions For Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an easy-to-grow indoor plant that requires little upkeep. It doesn't mind using soil and fertilizers, although it does appreciate a dry, sunny environment. What you need to know about addressing its optimal growing demands is provided here.
Light & Temperature
Ashwagandha thrives in full sun, so put it where there is at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in your garden. It can handle some partial shade, but it will grow more slowly and mature more slowly. Between 68°F and 95°F is the best temperature range for ashwagandha cultivation.
Frost is not tolerated by this plant. In USDA zones 7 to 12, you can grow it as a perennial, while in zones 4 to 8, you can grow it as a summer annual. If you reside in a lower climate, start Ashwagandha seeds indoors, then when the temperature reliably rises over 59°F, transplant the plant to your garden.
How To Grow Ashwagandha From Seeds
Early in the spring, sow ashwagandha seeds indoors. The plants might take up to 180 days to reach maturity, and the soil temperature must be at least 70°F for the seeds to germinate. The easiest approach to ensure a lengthy growing season is to start them inside.
- Fill many plastic pots or a seed propagation tray with organic, nutrient-rich soil that drains well.
- After planting the seeds in the pots, give them plenty of water and a thin layer of dirt to cover them with.
- Place the seed pots ideally on a windowsill in a warm, sunny area.
- It can take 10 to 14 days for ashwagandha seeds to sprout. Up until the seedlings emerge, make sure the soil is kept consistently moist.
- When you see seedlings, you can gradually cut down on watering, but never allow the soil to totally dry out.
- When the baby ashwagandha plants are at least 4 inches tall, you can transplant them into the garden soil.
Common Ashwagandha Pests & Diseases
Aphids and spider mites are two common pests that may affect ashwagandha plants. When the plant is young, check it frequently, and pay great attention to the newest shoots because they are more susceptible to be attacked by pests. To get rid of aphids, use an insecticidal soap solution, and to get rid of spider mites, combine water and isopropyl alcohol.
The Ashwagandha plant is most frequently afflicted by Alternaria leaf spot. Yellowing of the leaves is one sign, followed by brown patches on the foliage, is another. The best fungicides to use to treat this kind of leaf spot are those that include copper or sulphur. Bordeaux combination is the best option if you're seeking an organic fungicide.
Harvesting Ashwagandha
It can take up to 6 months for ashwagandha to mature because to its slow development rate. It is time to harvest when the papery husk that protects the berries starts to dry up. You can easily harvest this plant by hand in your backyard. Give the dirt a good soak before grabbing the plant from the base of the stem and pulling it out to make harvesting simpler. To loosen the soil, you can also use a trowel, but take care not to harm the roots.
Use a sharp blade to cut through the Ashwagandha's roots and stem, then wash the plant to remove the soil. Cut each root into smaller, 2 to 3 inch long parts after trimming the roots from the root ball. Set up a drying rack and equally distribute the roots throughout the surface. Until the roots are totally dry, keep the rack in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated area.