ASHWAGANDHA

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Description

Withania somnifera Build your medicinal herb garden with this traditional Ayurvedic plant, native to Rajasthan and northern India. A member of the nightshade family and closely related to ground cherry, Ashwagandha grows easily in the Pacific Northwest as an annual crop. Also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, this fast-growing plant can reach up to three feet tall. It features dense, velvety leaves that emit a fragrance reminiscent of peanut butter. Cream-colored flowers grow in clusters and ripen into bright orange berries enclosed in papery husks—similar to tomatillos. These husks dry when the roots are ready for harvest.   Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a tonic herb that helps the body adjust to stress and environmental changes. Traditionally, the mild, sweet-tasting roots are dried and powdered, then mixed with milk for a cooling, health-supportive drink. They also pair well in decoctions with rose, honey, and cardamom. Harvest whole roots for drying or grind into powder for capsules or beverages.   In our Willamette Valley spring trials, Ashwagandha performed well, producing elongated roots and viable seeds for saving. It’s a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant crop that prefers slightly alkaline soil and little to no fertilizer. Roots grow quickly and can be harvested selectively. It can be grown in a half wine barrel, and you can either harvest a few roots while leaving the plant in the soil to encourage continued growth or harvest the entire plant annually. Hardy in USDA zones 7 and warmer.   PLANT: Individual plant in a 4 inch pot that begins shipping in May. Available only within the contiguous US.    TRANSPLANT 6 PACK: 6-cell—each cell is about 2 ¼ inch. Available only within the contiguous US.

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