Ashwagandha Seeds
Ashwagandha Seeds
(Withania somnifera)
Minimum 15-20 seeds.
Annual
Thrives in almost any soil, and ideally grown in full sun
Medicinal / Culinary Herb
Pollinator Plant
100 days from seed to harvest
About: Ashwagandha is an annual plant in our growing zone (hardy to zone 6). It is a native to India so needs a long growing season from seed to harvest, 100 days. For this reason it must be started indoors at least 6-8 weeks ahead of last frost so that it can produce mature seeds and roots in one season. It can also be grown in a large container and taken indoors as needed when the weather turns cold in fall. It prefers sandy loam soil and good drainage (the plants do not thrive with too much moisture).
Traditionally used as both a culinary and medicinal plant. Ashwagandha has glossy deep green leaves, small bright orange "berries" in papery husks, and medicinal roots that are harvested in the fall. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as an rejuvinating, adaptogen plant (soothing anxiety and stress). The berries are being studied for their support of cognitive function.
Organically grown here at Swallowtail Farmstead.