What is the best time to sow ginseng seeds?

GinsengBecause the seed embryo of ginseng has the characteristic of slow growth and development, its sowing period is also different from that of other crops. As long as the soil has not frozen solid, sowing can be carried out. According to the degree of seed development and climate characteristics, it is generally divided into three periods: spring sowing, summer sowing (mid-summer sowing), and autumn sowing.

Spring sowing: around late April, once the soil has thawed, sowing can begin. With stratified (pre-sprouted) seeds sown in spring, seedlings can emerge the same year. Dry seeds can also be sown, with seedlings emerging the following spring, but because management is required after sowing, this is mostly not adopted.

Summer sowing: also called mid-summer sowing, mostly done with dry seeds. In areas with a short frost-free period, sowing must be completed by the end of June. In areas with a longer frost-free period, dry seed sowing can be delayed to early to mid-July. For water-soaked seeds, it is best to finish sowing before early August, otherwise it affects the emergence of ginseng seedlings the following year.

Autumn sowing: sowing in autumn, mostly done in mid to late October with stratified (pre-sprouted) seeds.

Each of the three sowing periods has its advantages and disadvantages. With spring sowing of stratified seeds, seedlings can emerge the same year, but because of frequent spring drought, the making of beds for sowing aggravates soil drought and affects the emergence rate. In summer sowing, only dry seeds and water-soaked seeds can be sown, and proper field management is required after sowing, which increases labor input. However, it omits the cumbersome procedure of artificial stratification and avoids losses caused by poor management during stratification. Autumn sowing is favorable for spring emergence, and all regions mostly use this period for sowing.