The seed is de-pulped then mixed with mortar sand before being placed in especially constructed subterranean seed boxes. This allows the seed to stratify and the immature seed embryo to develop over the following winter and summer. The seed is removed from the seed boxes and sown approximately 12 months later. Seedlings emerge in the spring after sowing. Agronomy in North America Commercial ginseng is mainly produced in intensive production systems.
Intensive management results in a crop that can be harvested in three years.
Some other systems which take much longer to mature include wild crafting, which involves harvesting wild ginseng from the woods, and wild-simulated production, where ginseng is cultivated in the woods using a low input system to produce roots resembling wild ginseng. Before seed sowing, a cover crop, along with animal manure, may be incorporated into the soil to improve its structure and water-holding capacity. Often the soil is fumigated with vorlex, basamid or methyl bromide. Tile drainage is laid, and raised beds are formed to help improve the drainage. Support structures for shade are also usually put in place before sowing.