Panax ginseng Seeds | Korea Chinese Red Root Slices
LATIN NAME: Panax ginseng
COMMON NAME: Korean Ginseng, Asian Ginseng
Plant Profile
Panax ginseng, better known as Korean Ginseng, is a low, perennial in the ivy family, native to cool, shaded woodlands of the east Asia, while it has been used in traditions for its roots for thousands of years. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Few medicinal plants have been standardised as thoroughly as ginseng. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020) sets quality limits based on the ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb1, and the ratio of these triterpene saponins also serves to distinguish Asian ginseng from American ginseng (P. quinquefolius), which is comparatively rich in Rb1 and low in Rf. Much of the modern human research has used the standardised extract G115; randomised trials with it have explored fatigue, cognition and immune endpoints, with generally modest and sometimes conflicting results, so the evidence is best described as promising rather than settled. Ginseng can potentiate anticoagulants such as warfarin and may lower blood glucose, so medicinal use alongside prescription drugs warrants professional advice.
As part of the ivy family, Panax ginseng contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. The Korean ginseng has a real and distinguished place in research. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Korean Ginseng works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Korean ginseng is a low, perennial herb of cool, shaded woodlands, bearing large, compound, bright-green leaves and clusters of bright-red berries in the summer. To raise the Korean ginseng, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, shaded place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the shade. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Asian ginseng root is the most famous tonic on Earth, a classical qi tonic used for over two thousand years and now one of the most clinically studied herbs, with human trials on fatigue, cognition and blood sugar. Its ginsenosides, over a hundred identified, drive both the warming red ginseng and milder white ginseng traditions.
Growing from Seed
Korean Ginseng is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Being a low, perennial, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
If Korean Ginseng appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: