Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Regular price $19.95Ancient Ayurvedic Herb with Adaptogenic Roots
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, is an annual medicinal herb plant from the Nightshade family. It is cultivated heavily in India and is native to parts of the Middle East, the Indian Peninsula, and the Himalayan regions. Ashwagandha is an annual or short-lived perennial that features elliptical green leaves and small, white, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers grow into lantern-like cases, which contain bright red cherries bearing dozens of tiny seeds.
The root is ready to harvest 150 to 180 days after planting, just as the berries have formed and the leaves have begun to yellow. Ashwagandha is widely known for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic medicine, with the root being the most commonly used part. Taken as a tea or in tincture form, it is believed to reduce anxiety and depression, help achieve mental clarity, and boost the immune system. Studies show that its potential medicinal effects are associated with the presence of alkaloids and steroidal lactones within the plant, which have been studied for anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects. It's a great medicinal plant for any herbalist's garden!
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Ashwagandha is an essential herb in our medicinal garden and food forest. We carefully harvest its roots in the fall by digging up the entire plant and separating the roots from the base of the plant. We remove the red berries, or seed pods, from their lantern casings, then sun-dry the roots and the seeds separately.
Ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where the root is the most commonly used part. Traditionally, the root is taken as a tea or tincture. Its traditional uses and naturally occurring compounds have made it an important herb for herbalists and medicinal gardens.
Why Grow Ashwagandha?
- Harvestable medicinal roots ready approximately 150โ180 days after planting
- Long valued in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional herbal practices
- Produces small white bell-shaped flowers followed by lantern-like fruit cases
- Bright red cherries contain dozens of tiny seeds that can also be harvested
- Excellent medicinal plant for herbalist gardens, medicinal gardens, and food forests
ย Growing Tips
Plant Ashwagandha in a warm growing season and provide well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant can grow as an annual or short-lived perennial depending on climate. The roots are ready to harvest approximately 150โ180 days after planting, when the berries have formed and the leaves have begun to yellow. We harvest the roots in fall by digging up the entire plant and separating the roots from the base. Remove the red berries from their lantern-like casings, then sun-dry the roots and seeds separately.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Withania somnifera |
| Common Names | Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Plant Type | Annual Herb |
| Harvest Season | Fall, Winter; multiple harvests per year depending on planting |
| Harvest Time | Root ready 150โ180 days after planting, when berries have formed and leaves begin to yellow |
| Mature Size | Up to 2โ3 ft. tall and wide; can be grown in deep planters |
| Soil & Moisture | High, dry, sandy soil with consistent watering; drought tolerant once established |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 4+; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Grown from seed; capable of harvest within one growing season |
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