How to grow Ashwagandha

How to grow Ashwagandha from seed to harvest. Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is an important plant in the traditional medicine of Africa and Asia and is perhaps the best known of all the plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a woody evergreen perennial, but in areas with very cold winters it is mostly grown as an annual.

How to grow Ashwagandha from Seed

• Plant ashwagandha in a dry and sunny location of your garden.
• It is a drought tolerant plant and grows in dry soil, once established.
• It needs sandy and well-draining soil and doesn’t like wet feet.
• Plant Ashwagandha Seeds in full sun, 10 cm apart when temperature is around 20 C. Lightly cover with soil.
• Seeds will germinate in about two weeks.
• Water the seedlings well while they are establishing.
• Thin out the weak plants after a month of growing, leaving the space around 50 – 60 cm between plants.

Maintaining Ashwagandha Plants

• Although fertilizing is not needed for this plant, you can apply aged manure or compost near the base of the plant in Spring.
• Do not over-water this plant, as it can lead to root rot. The plant is very drought tolerant and does not need to be watered often.
• In terms of pests, spider mites can sometimes be a problem. Spray with Neem oil if you see any mites on the leaves.

Harvesting Ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha is ready to harvest in 150 – 180 days when the flowers and berries start to form and the leaves begins to dry out.
• Harvest the roots by digging carefully using a small tool.
• Wash and clean the roots.
• Cut the cleaned roots into small pieces of 7-10 cm and then dry it in the sun or shade.