Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) Seeds
Overview:
- Withania somnifera, also known as Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha, is an annual or perennial plant.
- Native to India, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Roots are used medicinally for centuries, particularly for sleep support.
- Suitable for temperate, dry, subtropical, and tropical climates.
- All parts of the plant except the roots are toxic.
Key Features:
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Roots: Used medicinally as Ashwagandha.
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Growth Habit: Herbaceous plant, reaching up to 120cm (4 feet) tall and 100cm (3 feet) wide.
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Climate Adaptability: Perennial in warm climates, annual in temperate regions.
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Harvest: Roots are harvestable within 130-150 days.
Growing Conditions:
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Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
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Climate: Temperate, Dry, Subtropical, Tropical
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Temperature Range: 10-35°C (50-95°F)
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Soil: Well-draining
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Sunlight: Full sun
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Height: Up to 120cm (4 feet)
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Width: Up to 100cm (3 feet)
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pH: 7.0-8.0
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Growth Type: Evergreen shrub. Annual or perennial.
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Water Requirements: Light
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Pollination: Bees
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Maturity: 130-150 days
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Germination Rates: 65-85%
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Germination Time: 5-21 days (15-25°C / 62-77°F)
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Germination Difficulty: Easy
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Seeds per Gram: Approximately 650
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Medicinal Qualities: Yes
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Weed Potential: No
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Edible: Roots only. Rest of plant toxic.
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Seed Storage & Viability: Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
Planting and Germination:
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Germination Instructions:
- Soak seeds for 10 minutes in room temperature water.
- Sow seeds on the surface of well-draining soil, covering very lightly.
- Keep soil moist and provide soft sunlight (morning sun).
- Ideal germination temperature: 15-30°C (62-85°F).
- Germination takes 5-21 days (5-7 days at 25°C / 77°F).
- Gradually increase sunlight exposure after germination.
- Transplant seedlings (10cm tall) after the last frost or when daytime temperatures are consistently above 15°C (62°F).
- In warmer climates, provide morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Final planting location: Full sun or semi-shade.
- Sensitive to temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
- Roots are able to be harvested 130-150 days after sowing.
