New Zealand Growing Conditions
Climate
Ginseng grows best under conditions that simulate its natural habitat. It requires 70% to 90% natural or artificial shade, depending on the intensity of the sun in the region of development. Ginseng thrives with an average temperature of 18-24 degrees Celsius during the growing season. It requires several weeks of cold temperatures for adequate development of the growth bud for the following season's emergence.Soil
Ginseng prefers a light, free-draining, deep (300mm) top soil, with a high organic content and a pH near 5.5. Extremely sandy soil tends to produce long, slender roots of inferior quality. Initial stages of development involve a reasonable amount of tillage to produce a soil base conducive to seedling emergence and root development throughout the growth cycles.Seed Preparation and Germination
Most ginseng crops are started from seed, rather than roots or seedlings. This is the least expensive way to start a plantation and may help prevent the introduction of soil-borne disease to new plantations. However, research is currently being undertaken by Ginseng Growers Ltd to trial a new and improved method of effectively propagating ginseng on a commercial scale. Ginseng requires a minimum of 4 years to produce a marketable crop from seed.
Crop Maintenance
Our ginseng developments are intensively maintained all year. By ensuring that environmental and climatic conditions are optimized, we encourage vigorous root development and promote excellent plant health throughout both growing seasons and dormant periods.
Ginseng can be affected by plant pathogens such as Phytothphora and Pythium, and pests such as slugs and birds. At Ginseng Growers Ltd, we aim to gain control of various crop ailments through the utilisation of cultural and biological practices primarily, with minimum use of chemicals.