GINSENG & GOLDENSEAL GROWING PROGRAMS
North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company is a state licensed Ginseng Dealer, was formed in 1993, and is located in Madison County.
Our Company has active re-seeding programs for Ginseng and Goldenseal, both "companion" plants often found in the same growing area. We buy and sell Ginseng and Goldenseal. We also help others start growing these plants, and to obtain the proper state permits.
North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company is dedicated to preservation and propagation of Ginseng and Goldenseal in our natural environment.
Robert at Eagle Feather Farm.
Opportunities for Growing
- Do you have land with a North-facing slope?
- Want to Harvest On Your Own Private Land?
- Want to Help Replenish Protected Plant Species?
- Want Extra Income?
- Our Program For Small Farms can get you started.
- Are you looking for an alternative crop to tobacco? See news articles >>
CHARACTERISTICS OF GINSENG
American ginseng Panax quinquefolium L, has a fleshy root and short stem. It is a perennial. Stem and leaves die in winter but regrow in spring. It is a shade requiring plant, native to hardwood forests, and best adapted to cool, temperate climates. It grows naturally in the western mountains and foothills of North Carolina. Ginseng that grows locally in Madison County has the reputation for being some of the highest quality and potency in the world (see Madison news article). American ginseng root has been exported to the Orient since the early 18th century.
THREE STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL GROWING
If interested in growing and harvesting Ginseng or Goldenseal on your land, we can help.
Step 1 - Look at the Growing Site
A Site Visit by one of our company's representatives may be required to determine if the proper conditions exist for successful growing.
A Site Visit may NOT be necessary if you have determined for yourself the following condition exist at your intended growth area:
1) a well drained North Slope, not in a pasture.
2) a tall, dense deciduous canopy of poplar, beech, maple, dogwood, or oak.
3) the presence of companion plants such as black cohosh, maiden hair fern, jack-in-the-pulpit, trillium, blood root, and false solomonseal, etc.
If unable to determine for yourself that proper conditions exist at the growing site, one of our representatives can conduct a Site Visit, which takes about an hour. This includes a presentation about Ginseng and other medicinal herbs.
Step 2 - Buy Grower's Starter Kit
After determining that you have a proper growing area, our company can supply a Grower's Starter Kit of roots and/or seeds.
Roots or seeds must be planted in the fall, prior to the first freeze. The harvesting of seeds from your plants could begin in the 3rd year. Roots can be harvested after the 6th or 7th year. The growing site should be monitored at least once per year to check the progress of your crops.
Step 3 - Harvest and Prosper
After your plants have reached maturity, the North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company will purchase all mature "green" ginseng roots (7 years or more) at season prices quoted on September Ist. This is when your farm begins to generate income.
After harvest, our company will take the "green" roots, individually wash them and air dry them under controlled conditions. When dried, these individual plants are processed for tinctures, capsules, or prized root.
GOLDENSEAL AND GINSENG TOGETHER
Dr. Jeanine Davis of the North Carolina Extension Agency recommends that Goldenseal be used as a rotation crop with Ginseng. Because these two are often companion plants in the wild, we also recommend planting both at the same time. We also will help you obtain a Permit for Propagation per North Carolina law, if the grower requests this permit.
BOOKLETS / DVD
No. 1 "Growers Guide To Ginseng" $3.50
by Robert Eidus
No. 2 "Growers Guide To Goldenseal" $3.50
by Robert Eidus
No. 3 "12 Ways to Protect your Ginseng" $2.00
by Robert Eidus
No. 4 "Endangered Species Plant Rescue" $1.00
DVD & VHS: Growing Goldenseal
Made for KY public TV, Oct, 2001. 27 minutes, color, VHS
Robert Eidus describes how to grow goldenseal in a natural
environment with special amended soil. Al Fritsch is the narrator
and interviewer. $20.00
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Educational Site Visit (1 hour) $25.00
Areas outside of Madison County will be charged a minimum fee of $10 plus gas (based on mileage).
Planting Site Visit (1 hour) $20.00
Does not include plants or gas/mileage fees.
Medicinal Plant Walks at Eagle Feather Organic Farm $15 per person, per hour
(Discounts for groups of more than 10 persons)
E-Mail Consultation per e-mail $10.00
Consulting by Telephone $25.00/hour
Please See Our ORDER FORM |
