Also, when the roots are being transplanted a year or two later, diseased roots can be discarded. There are 7000-8000 seed per lb. Most growers report sowing 50 to l00 pounds of seed per acre. The seeding rate will vary with the row spacing, the within-row spacing, the bed width and the path width. Higher and lower germination percentages frequently occur.
Large growers prefer to sow at the higher rates to avoid skips or bare spots in their beds.
This is more expensive than starting from seeds. There are two major advantages to starting with roots for the novice who wants firsthand experience at growing ginseng before attempting a larger commercial planting. First, the roots can be spaced so as to make maximum use of the area planted. Second, the plants will come into flowering and seeding one year sooner, providing the grower with seed for further expansion. Mulching Ginseng should be mulched to simulate the cool, moist conditions of the forest floor, to smother weeds and to prevent frost heaving in the winter.