Wrinkles

What states allow you to grow ginseng?

There are 19 states that allow harvesting of wild ginseng for export: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.4 Oct 2021

Why is growing ginseng illegal?

The root of the ginseng plant has been coveted for thousands of years as a natural curative. … Because the slow-growing plant is destroyed to harvest the root, those who illegally harvest ginseng can face stiff fines or imprisonment.

Can you grow ginseng legally?

It is illegal to harvest American ginseng roots on most State lands and all National Park Service land. Some U.S. Forest Service National Forests issue harvest permits for wild ginseng while other National Forests prohibit the harvest of ginseng.

Can you grow ginseng anywhere?

Well, the hardwood forests of the eastern United States and Canada are ginseng's natural habitat, but it can be cultivated almost anywhere north of central Alabama . . . if the area receives between 20 and 40 inches of rainfall annually.

Can you grow ginseng in your backyard?

Best of all, there is no huge time commitment necessary to start ginseng farming. … You can earn some nice extra cash growing ginseng in your backyard nursery. You don't need several acres to do it either. In fact, after six years you can make over $100,000 with just a half-acre of land.

Can you grow ginseng in Florida?

Ginseng is native to cool and shady woodlands from Canada to northern Florida. … Ginseng requires 5 to 7 years to mature its roots. It needs shade and may be grown in shady wooded areas or in lath houses.

What is a pound of ginseng worth?

One pound of “wet” ginseng dehydrates to about a third of a pound of dry. The average price paid for the 2019-20 season was $550 per pound for dry and $160 per pound for green. It takes almost 300 roots to make one pound of dry ginseng. “That's a lot of roots,” she said.

Is ginseng profitable to grow?

Growers can make a solid income from even a small space, as well. For example, a half-acre planted in ginseng will start producing seeds in the third year. … At the current prices, a half acre garden could produce $100,000 worth of seeds and roots over a six year period, or over $16,000 per year.