Korean ginseng is a perennial plant which, in winter, sheds the parts of the plant appearing above ground and remains dormant during the winter period.
Ginseng was originally a woodland plant and can only tolerate little sunlight. Therefore, in order for the plants to thrive, adequate shading of the ginseng fields is quite important. In spring, shortly before the plants sprout, the shade covers are erected. In autumn, they are taken down again, in order to avoid damage to the construction caused by storms or snow.
A further important aspect of cultivation is the prevention of the accumulation of water in the soil. For this reason, the earth should be very permeable. In addition, the beds are laid out in a manner similar to that used in asparagus cultivation, in mounds, in order to allow the rain to drain away more quickly. A thick layer of mulch ensures that the earth is kept adequately moist. It protects the roots in winter against damage caused by frost and reduces the growth of wild plants.
In autumn after six years of growing the ginseng roots can be harvested. The plants should be allowed to grow for so long in order to achieve an optimal ginsenoside content in the roots and so fulfil the quality criteria for a high grade medicine.
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