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What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a perennial evergreen plant that grows in parts of Asia and Africa. It is one of the most popular herbs used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Some people also refer to it as winter cherry or Indian ginseng.

The name Ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit word “Ashwa”, which means horse, referring to the horse-like shape of its roots. For hundreds of years, its roots and orange-red berries have been used for various medicinal purposes.

How to Grow Ashwagandha from Seeds

You can grow Ashwagandha at the beginning of spring using its seeds. The plant takes about 180 days to reach full maturity. Follow these steps to grow it successfully:

1. Fill plastic pots with organic, well-draining soil.
2. Add a suitable amount of water to the soil.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Place the pots on a sunny windowsill in a warm location.
5. Seedlings usually appear within 10–14 days. Keep the soil consistently moist.
6. After seedlings appear, gradually reduce watering—but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
7. Once the seedlings reach 10 cm in height, transplant them into your garden.

How to Grow Ashwagandha from Cuttings

Ashwagandha can also be propagated using cuttings, meaning a new plant grows from a stem of a mature one. To grow it this way, follow these steps:

1. Select Ashwagandha stems that are at least 30 cm long.
2. Use pruning shears to cut a 10 cm section of the root.
3. Remove the lower leaves.
4. Place the cutting in a container filled with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged.
5. Keep the container in a warm, sunny location.
6. Cover it with a transparent plastic sheet to maintain humidity.
7. Replace the water every 5–7 days.
8. Roots will begin forming after a few weeks.
9. Once the roots reach 5 cm, transplant the new plant into soil.

How to Care for Ashwagandha

Light & Temperature

Ashwagandha thrives in direct sunlight, requiring at least six hours of full sun daily. If grown in shade, its growth will be slower. The ideal temperature range is 20–35°C.

Soil Requirements

Ashwagandha prefers soil with a pH level between 7.5 and 8, and it should not be overly moist. This plant naturally grows and blooms in dry, rocky soils.