Ashwagandha

About Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a powerful adaptogenic herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support stress resilience, improve sleep, and boost energy. This bushy plant produces small, pale green flowers and ornamental orange-red berries encased in paper husks, similar to a tomatillo. The roots, traditionally harvested in autumn, are the primary medicinal part of the plant and can be dried for tea or tincture. In our coastal Canadian climate, ashwagandha is grown as an annual, and does best with a long, hot summer and well-drained soil.

Where Can You Grow Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha prefers Zones 7-10 for perennial growth, but can be grown as an annual in Zones 3-6. Needs full sun and warm conditions to produce viable roots. Best suited to raised beds, greenhouses, or hot garden pockets.

History and Historical Uses
Native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East, ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years as a rejuvenating tonic. Known as “Indian ginseng,” it is traditionally used to enhance stamina, reduce anxiety, regulate sleep, and support overall vitality. It is one of the cornerstone herbs in Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Start indoors early and transplant after last frost; harvest roots in late autumn.
Zones 5-7: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant to warm, sheltered spot.
Zones 3-4: Best grown in containers or greenhouses to ensure root maturity before frost.

How to Grow and Harvest Ashwagandha
Planting: Start seeds indoors in early spring; transplant to full sun once soil is warm.
Watering: Drought tolerant; water moderately without over-soaking.
Harvesting: Dig roots after 120+ days of growth, once foliage begins to yellow.
Maintenance: Minimal; mulch lightly to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Allow to Mature: Leave fruit on the plant to ripen and dry fully.
Collect Seeds: Harvest husks, break open to remove seeds.
Dry and Store: Fully dry seeds and store in a cool, dark place.
Viability: Seeds remain viable for 3-5 years if stored correctly.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)