Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha): Growing and How It Differs from True Ginseng

Growing ginseng – good-quality nutrient-rich soil, permanent shade, moderate watering

In brief: The plant sold as "Indian ginseng" (Withania somnifera) is not true ginseng of the genus Panax, but ashwagandha (winter cherry) of the nightshade family. In the garden or in a container it needs well-drained, rather drier stony soil, a warm and sunny position and, in the cold season, a move indoors – here it does not overwinter outdoors.

Latin name	Withania somnifera (ashwagandha)
Family	nightshade family (Solanaceae)
Sowing	February–March, on a windowsill or in a cold frame
Position	warm, sunny, well lit
Watering	moderate, the soil must not be waterlogged

Under the label "ginseng" several plants are sold in shops that have nothing to do with true ginseng (genus Panax) apart from a similar traditional use. One of them is ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, which can also be grown in a garden or in a container here.

This guide explains how ashwagandha differs from true ginseng, how to sow and grow it, and what to watch out for if you are interested in it for reasons other than ornamental ones.

Ashwagandha, not true ginseng

True ginseng (Panax ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius) belongs to the ginseng family (Araliaceae) and comes from East Asia or North America. The plant sold as "Indian ginseng" is, however, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) of the nightshade family, that is, related to the tomato or pepper, not to real ginseng. It got its nickname only because in traditional Indian Ayurveda it was used in a similar way to ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. You can find out more about real ginseng and its cultivation in the article True ginseng (Panax ginseng).

Feature	True ginseng (Panax)	Indian ginseng (ashwagandha)
Family	ginseng family (Araliaceae)	nightshade family (Solanaceae)
Origin	East Asia, North America	India, southern Africa, Middle East
Position requirements	permanent shade, nutrient-rich damp soil	warmth, sun, well-drained drier soil
Overwintering outdoors in the Czech Republic	usually not, demanding	no, a move indoors is necessary

Where ashwagandha comes from and what it needs

Ashwagandha comes from subtropical and tropical areas from the Canary Islands through southern Africa and the Middle East to India and southern China. It is used to dry, warm and sunny positions with stony, well-drained soil. In its native conditions it grows on well-drained, rather poorer soils, where excess water drains away quickly – waterlogging harms it more than short-term drought.

Growing in Czech conditions

Because ashwagandha comes from warm regions, here we grow it as an annual or as a perennial in a container that you move indoors for the winter. Sow the seeds from February to March into seed substrate in warmth (20–25 °C); germination takes several weeks – Indian ginseng seeds (Withania somnifera) are available, for example. After germination, transplant the seedlings into separate containers and plant them outdoors or in their permanent position only after the last frosts, when it is permanently warm outside.

Position, substrate and watering

Ashwagandha likes the sunniest and warmest spot in the garden or on the balcony and a well-drained, rather sandy to stony substrate with a drainage layer at the bottom of the container. Water moderately, only when the substrate in the top layer has dried out – permanently damp soil leads to root rot. Over summer the plant also appreciates occasional feeding; in winter, on the other hand, leave feeding out completely.

Overwintering and harvest

Ashwagandha does not overwinter outdoors here, so either grow it as an annual, or in autumn transplant it into a container and keep it over winter in a bright and cooler place in the house, where you reduce watering markedly. If you are interested in the root, it is usually harvested in autumn after several months of growth; for plants grown as ornamentals or for seed it is enough to leave the clump undisturbed over winter and restart spring growth by gradually increasing watering.

Besides seeds for sowing, ashwagandha is also sold as a ready-made Indian ginseng herbal oil, if you are interested in a finished product without growing it yourself. The topic of adaptogenic herbs is also covered in the article Puncturevine and ginseng: sources of vitality at every age.

Diseases, pests and common problems in growing

Ashwagandha is fairly resistant to diseases; the biggest enemy tends to be waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot and yellowing leaves. In the dry and warm indoor environment over winter, spider mites or whiteflies may appear on the plant, especially if the air in the room is very dry. Regular checking of the undersides of the leaves helps, with possible treatment with a potassium soap-based product, which is gentle even on a plant weakened over winter by lack of light.

Propagation by cuttings

Besides sowing, ashwagandha can also be propagated by cuttings from semi-hardwood shoots in summer. Push a cutting 8–10 cm long, stripped of its lower leaves, into damp substrate with sand and keep it in shade and high air humidity until it roots – this usually takes three to four weeks. This method is faster than sowing from seed and is suitable mainly if you already have one plant at home and want to obtain another without a long wait for germination from seeds.

Safety: pregnancy, breastfeeding and children

Using ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and people with liver disease – possible side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea or a skin rash. If you are interested in the plant for reasons other than ornamental ones, consult a doctor first; self-treatment is not recommended and promising any health effect is not appropriate here.

Frequently asked questions

Is Indian ginseng the same as true ginseng from the pharmacy?

No, they are different plants from different families. True ginseng is the genus Panax; Indian ginseng sold under this name is ashwagandha of the nightshade family.

Does ashwagandha overwinter outdoors in the garden?

No, it does not survive winter outdoors here. It is grown either as an annual or as a perennial in a container brought indoors for the winter.

How long does it take for ashwagandha seeds to germinate?

Germination tends to be slower and uneven, usually taking two to four weeks at a temperature of around 20–25 °C. Patience pays off; seeds that do not come up straight away do not necessarily mean failure.

Can I grow ashwagandha in a pot on a balcony?

Yes, if it has enough sun and a well-drained substrate with drainage of excess water. In a container you can also easily move the plant indoors for the winter.

Is it safe to give ashwagandha to children or pregnant women?

No, use is not recommended for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you are interested in the plant for reasons other than ornamental ones, consult a doctor.

Why do ashwagandha leaves turn yellow in winter?

The most common cause is waterlogged soil combined with lack of light in the winter months. Reduce watering to a minimum and move the plant to the brightest and coolest place you have at home.

Sources

Updated: 10 October 2026