Commercial Production of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.)

Abstract

Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises in Wausau, Wisconsin, provide properly stratified seeds to other commercial growers and roots to the herbal market 4 y after initial field-grown plantings. Woods-grown ginseng requires up to 8 y for production. Seeds of northern sources exhibit deep simple morphophysiological dormancy and must be carefully handled during harvest and immediately stratified for up to 18 mo. Successful germination, establishment, growth, and production require adequate shade, leaf litter, nutrition, and disease and pest prevention. Over 75% of all American ginseng production in the US occurs in Wisconsin. Currently, Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises include 405 ha (1000 ac) of land in production as cultivated fields and “woods-grown” beneath hardwood forests.