How to Plant Ginseng Rootlets | WildGrown.com
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Planting Ginseng
How to Plant American Ginseng Rootlets
Learn how to store, prepare, and plant 3-year-old American ginseng rootlets for the best chance of successful growth.
Plant Rootlets as Soon as Possible
Again, it is our recommendation to plant ginseng rootlets immediately. For better results, plant after a rain or water after planting. Rootlet planting should be finished a few weeks before soil freezing temperatures are anticipated.
<h2>Storing Rootlets Before Planting</h2>
<p>
If you are not planting the rootlets right away, store ginseng rootlets in a cool place, preferably in a refrigerator. Unseal the bag occasionally to allow fresh air inside.
</p>
<div class="key-points">
<h3>Quick Rootlet Planting Rules</h3>
<ul>
<li>Plant rootlets immediately whenever possible</li>
<li>Plant after rain or water after planting</li>
<li>Finish planting a few weeks before soil freezing temperatures</li>
<li>Store temporarily in a cool place, preferably a refrigerator</li>
<li>Unseal the storage bag occasionally for fresh air</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2>Choose the Right Soil and Shade</h2>
<p>
Plant in rich, loamy soil with good drainage. The best area is on a hillside in the woods where plants are shaded from direct sunlight. Ginseng likes to grow in cool woods with 70 to 80% shading.
</p>
<h2>Using Artificial Shade in a Garden</h2>
<p>
If planting in a garden, provide a slatted shade cover with an opening facing eastward to protect the ginseng from all but a little morning sun. The slats should run perpendicular to the path of the sun.
</p>
<h2>Spacing, Hole Shape, and Planting Angle</h2>
<p>
Plant the rootlets in the ground at least 6 inches apart in a V-shaped hole or trench. Lay each rootlet down at about a 30 to 45 degree angle with the growth bud pointing upward.
</p>
<div class="planting-diagram">
<h3>Rootlet Position</h3>
<p>
Place the rootlet so the growth bud is pointing upward and sits about 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the soil surface. The root body should rest naturally in the V-shaped hole or trench at a 30 to 45 degree angle.
</p>
</div>
<h2>Backfill and Cover with Leaf Litter</h2>
<p>
Backfill with dirt and cover over the area with 2 to 4 inches of leaf litter. Leaf litter is important as an organic fertilizer and for mulching.
</p>
<h2>Why Leaf Litter Matters</h2>
<p>
Light mulching in addition to natural leaf fall helps retain moisture, prevent leaching, maintain humus level, and minimize frost heaving and damage.
</p>
<h2>Mark the Planting Area</h2>
<p>
Mark the area with stakes so you will know where to look for the plants next spring.
</p>
<div class="cta-box">
<h3>Need planting rootlets?</h3>
<p>
View available fresh 3-year-old American ginseng rootlet packages and seasonal fall shipping details.
</p>
<a href="/shop.html#rootlets" class="btn">Shop Ginseng Rootlets</a>
</div>
</article>
<aside>
<h3>Growing Guide Topics</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/starting-guide/">Getting Started</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/planting-seeds/">Planting Seeds</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/planting-rootlets/">Planting Rootlets</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/soil-and-shade/">Soil & Shade</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/wild-simulated/">Wild-Simulated Growing</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/disease-prevention/">Disease Prevention</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/harvesting-and-drying/">Harvesting & Drying</a></li>
<li><a href="/growing-ginseng/state-laws/">State Laws</a></li>
</ul>
</aside>
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