Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Hello gardeners, today we are back with a new and interesting topic called growing ashwagandha in pots. Well, if you want to grow ashwagandha in pots then go through this article. This article may help you and we also discuss the related topics like requirements for growing ashwagandha in pots.
Introduction to Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Ashwagandha is also known as Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or even called winter cherry, which is a plant that belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Ashwagandha is a slow-growing perennial that grows up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are yellow-green, long, and elliptical. Its flowers are very tiny bell-shaped and followed by bright orange-red berries. You may use this information for growing Ashwagandha herb in Balcony, Indoors, on Terrace, and Backyard from seed in containers and pots.
A Step By Step Guide for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Ashwagandha or Asgandh is an erect growing and branching shrub and it grows to a normal height of 1.4 to 1.5 meters. This plant grows very well in dry and sub-tropical regions. Ashwagandha herb is a most important ancient plant whose roots have been very commonly used in Indian traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Unani.
Other Names Of Ashwagandha Are Listed Below:
- Asgandh
- Nagouri Asgandh
- Punir
- Winter cherry
- poison gooseberry
- Indian ginseng
Local Names Of Ashwagandha Are Listed Below:
- In Hindi, it is called Ashgandh, Asgandh , Ajagandha, Nagouri Asgandh, rasbhari
- In Tamil, it is called Amukkara, Amukira, Asuragandi
- In Malayalam, it is called Amukkuram, Trittavu, Ayamodakam
- In Bengali, it is called Dhuppa
- In Kannada, it is called Keramaddinagaddi, Kanchuki
- In Marathi, it is called Askandha, Dorgunj, Ghoda, Tilli
- In Gujarati, it is called Asod, Ghoda ahan, Ghoda Akan, Asun, Asam, Ghodasoda (Gujarati),
- In Telugu, it is called Penneru, Vajigandha
Suitable Soil for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
It needs sandy and well-draining soil in that way that water will drain out very quickly, the pH level should be around 7.5 – 8, which means neutral to slightly alkaline. Growing Ashwagandha is not at all possible in soil that retains moisture and remains waterlogged because in this type of soil the plant may not grow well and may also die.
Suitable Pot or Container for Growing Ashwagandha Plant
When you sow the seeds of the ashwagandha plant you just need or require a small size of pot or container. Make sure that your desired pot or container needs to have enough drainage holes at the bottom of it. After that when you transplant your ashwagandha plant you better choose a medium or large pot or container to grow ashwagandha well and healthy.
Suitable Location or Area for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Ashwagandha plant requires a dry and sunny location for healthy growth and better development.
Suitable Temperature for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Ashwagandha plant grows best and well when the temperature ranges between 20°C – 35°C. The temperature below or above this range grows much slower.
Propagation of Ashwagandha Plant
This plant can be propagated by seeds and seedlings.
How to Grow Ashwagandha from Seeds and Ashwagandha Planting Time
Ashwagandha is often easily propagated through seeds. The seeds of ashwagandha are often sown just before the onset of the monsoon. Cover the seeds with a skinny layer of sand. The seeds of ashwagandha germinate in 6 to 7 days of your time during June and July. Plant the seeds in early spring employing a medium-sized container or sow the seeds directly into the bottom, allowing a minimum of 10 cm of space seed to seed distance. You’ll need to push the seeds about three-eighths of an inch below the surface of the soil together with your finger.
Planting Ashwagandha through Seedlings
Ashwagandha plant can be planted in pots directly outdoors after the last frost. The seedlings, 35 to 40 days old can be transplanted or planted in a pot with well-drained sandy soil. The seedlings need to be planted 1 to 3 cm deep into the soil.
Ashwagandha Plant Spacing
Well, usually the spacing between Ashwagandha plants is maintianed from 10 to 12 cm distanace. However, Ashwagandha plant distance depends on the planting method.
Planting Procedure for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Choose a wind-sheltered planting site that receives plenty of direct sunlight for growing ashwagandha in pots. In pots, fill with a well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil with an acidic or neutral pH level. Better select a soil with dry, nutrient-rich, stony qualities for best results.
Plant your ashwagandha seeds in the early spring. You can use a medium or large size container or pot to sow your seeds, by allowing each plant 10 to 12 cm of space. Push the seeds about three-eighths of an inch below the surface of the soil with the help of your finger.
Keep the soil in the pot consistently moist, but not waterlogged during the ashwagandha’s germination period, which takes nearly two to three weeks. After germination, allow the soil to dry between waterings period. Water your plant during a shady time of days, such as near sunrise or sunset, by moistening the soil down to about the second knuckle of your index finger.
Water Requirement for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Ashwagandha plant does not tolerate excessive water or waterlogging conditions. For sowing your seeds in pots, water your plant regularly. When you observe, sprout or germination reduces the watering level. This plant doesn’t like a very wet foot. Daily morning it is better to check with your finger if the soil dries then you need to water your plant. If the soil is wet then let it dry.
Fertilizers for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Similar to the ginseng plant, the Ashwagandha plant is also not fertilized usually due to medicinal uses of its roots. However, you can use organic fertilizers for this plant. You can even apply aged manure or compost near the base of the plant for healthy and better development.
Winter Care for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
If you are growing the Ashwagandha plant in a cooler climate then overwinter it indoors. Keep it in temperature around 10°C – 15°C or plant it as an annual plant in spring and summer. This is much better for plant’s healthy growth and development.
Pests and Disease in Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Pests like spider mites, aphids, and insects may attack your plant. In diseases, the plant is affected by leaf spot, stem, and leaf rot. When the plant is overwatered root rot is possible. However, there are no serious pests and diseases found in this plant.
Selecting or choosing disease-free seeds and treating seeds before sown is better to reduce these incidents. To prevent these diseases, bio-pesticides can be prepared from Neem, Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow’s urine, and many organic things. Apart from these, having proper soil drainage will reduce the impact of many diseases on your plant.
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Harvesting Ashwagandha in Pots
Ashwagandha plant will be ready to harvest in 150 – 180 days when flowers and berries start to form and leaves begin to dry out.
You can harvest ashwagandha roots by digging carefully using a small tool. Be careful, you should not damage the plant when digging up, and make sure that soil has some moisture while doing this.
After harvesting, roots, and the barriers are separated from the plant. Roots are washed and cleaned and then cut into small pieces of 7-10 cm and dried in sun or shade.
Berries can are also be separated from the plant, dried, and crushed to take out seeds.
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Commonly Asked Questions for Growing Ashwagandha in Pots
Is the ashwagandha plant is hybrid?
Ashwagandha seeds are a chemical-free non-hybrid herb.
Can the ashwagandha plant be grown at home?
You can sow ashwagandha plant seeds indoors in small containers or pots which should have drainage holes, preferably clay pots. If you are growing ashwagandha indoors, then push the seeds about one-fourth inch below the surface of the soil. You’ll need to transplant the plant into outdoor soil once they reach 4 inches.
How tall does the ashwagandha plant grow?
It grows about 3 feet tall.
Ashwagandha plant is an evergreen woody perennial shrub to 6ft tall in its native habitat of the recent and dry topics. Here it grows to about 3 feet tall and a couple of feet wide in one season.
How long does it take to grow the ashwagandha plant?
It takes about 2 weeks to grow.
The plants are generally started from seed in soil that’s a minimum of 70 degrees F. The seeds take about 2 weeks to germinate, and then, Ashwagandha plants need temperatures between 70 and 95 degrees for optimum growth.