I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
Ashwagandha is a time-honoured medicinal plant in South Asia and North Africa. Find out all about its uses and how to go about planting ashwagandha yourself.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Read on to learn all about ashwagandha plants and their uses as well as information on how to grow them.
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry is a popular medicinal herb that has been valued in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Growing your own ashwagandha plants can ensure you have a steady supply of this powerful adaptogen. Luckily propagating ashwagandha from cuttings is an easy process that anyone can do at home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the simple steps for propagating ashwagandha and share helpful tips for success.
Why Propagate Ashwagandha?
There are several benefits to propagating your own ashwagandha plants
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Save money. Purchasing ashwagandha supplements or pre-grown plants can get expensive. Propagating allows you to multiply your plants for free.
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Control growing conditions. By propagating your own plants, you can customize the soil, sunlight, watering schedule, and other factors to optimize growth.
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Obtain higher yields. Starting new plants from healthy, high-yielding mother plants allows you to replicate those desirable traits.
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Preserve variety. You can propagate your favorite ashwagandha varieties year after year.
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Expand your garden. Propagating gives you an unlimited source of new ashwagandha plants.
How Ashwagandha Propagation Works
Ashwagandha is propagated through stem cuttings. This involves taking a cutting from a mother plant and coaxing it to form its own root system.
The cutting relies on the mother plant until it can produce its own food and nutrients. Once roots emerge, the new plant can be separated and grown independently.
The stems contain meristematic tissue which can develop new plant structures like roots. With the right conditions, this tissue will be triggered to grow roots rapidly.
When to Propagate Ashwagandha
For best results, propagate in spring or early summer when plants are actively growing. This gives cuttings the boost they need to generate roots.
Take cuttings first thing in the morning for maximum hydration and vigor. Avoid propagating after flower buds appear, as the plant’s energy is diverted away from leaf and stem growth.
Gather Propagation Supplies
Before you begin, gather these supplies:
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Healthy mother plant – Select a plant that is at least 1 year old and free of disease/pests.
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Clean, sharp shears – Disinfect tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading disease.
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Rooting hormone (optional) – Stimulates faster root growth, but not required.
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Propagation medium – Sterile potting mix, perlite, vermiculite, etc.
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Containers – Small pots, trays, or jars to hold cuttings.
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Labels – Identify varieties.
Select and Cut Stems
Choose stems that are semi-hard, green, andhave multiple sets of leaves. Avoid thin, soft shoots.
Make a clean 45 degree angle cut just below a node using sterilized shears. Cuttings should be 3-6 inches long.
Remove lower leaves, leaving just a few sets at the top. This prevents moisture loss.
Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional)
If using rooting hormone, gently dip the cut end of the stem in the powder up to 1 inch. Tap off any excess.
This step is optional but helps accelerate root formation. Look for hormone containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).
Stick in Propagation Medium
Moisten propagation medium and fill containers, leaving 1 inch at the top.
Make a hole and insert the cutting so the lowest remaining leaves are just above the surface.
Gently firm the medium around the stem. Space multiple cuttings 1-2 inches apart.
Provide Ideal Rooting Conditions
Place containers in bright, indirect light and maintain temperature around 70°F.
Keep propagation medium moist but not soaked. Consider covering with plastic to boost humidity.
Most cuttings will root in 2-3 weeks. Gently tug to check for resistance, indicating new root growth.
Transplant Rooted Cuttings
Once cuttings have well-established roots about 2 inches long, transplant into pots with well-draining potting mix.
Bury stem and roots; keep top two sets of leaves exposed. Water well and let drainage holes prevent overwatering.
Gradually acclimate plants to sun and wind for about 2 weeks before moving to the garden.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
If cuttings fail to root or new roots are slow to emerge, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Increase ambient humidity and moisture.
- Provide bottom heat from heating pads or grow lights.
- Take new, tender cuttings from fast-growing stems.
- Use fresh rooting hormone to encourage growth.
- Avoid overwatering cuttings before good root systems develop.
With this simple propagation method, you can easily multiply your ashwagandha harvest season after season. Get growing for an unlimited supply of this healing Ayurvedic herb. Let us know how your propagation efforts go in the comments!
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
Ashwagandha is a time-honoured medicinal plant in South Asia and North Africa. Find out all about its uses and how to go about planting ashwagandha yourself.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Read on to learn all about ashwagandha plants and their uses as well as information on how to grow them.
Ashwagandha: origin and characteristics
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). This perennial shrub is native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, South Asia and the Canary Islands. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years as a narcotic, intoxicant and aphrodisiac. In Europe, it was first mentioned in medicinal plant encyclopaedias in the 16th century.
By the way: you may also find ashwagandha being referred to as winter cherry, but this name makes it easy to confuse with another plant in the same family that sometimes goes by the same name, namely the Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum syn. Solanum capsicastrum). It is also easy to mix up the name winter cherry with winter-flowering cherries (Prunus × subhirtella), which are different plants entirely.
Ashwagandha shrubs grow from 50 to 150cm tall with felt-like branches. These plants develop many unbranched, light brown roots that grow laterally along the taproot, each of which can reach the size of a thin carrot. Ashwagandha leaves are pubescent (hairy), grey-green and ovoid. They can grow up to 10cm long and give off an extremely unpleasant smell when touched. The green-yellow flowers typically grow in clusters of five from the plant’s leaf axils. They are surrounded by hairy toothed sepals, which, after pollination, form a paper lantern-like sheath around a berry, similarly to physalis (Physalis) or ground cherries (Physalis pruinosa). In the UK, ashwagandha plants flower between mid-July and September. When the berries ripen in late autumn, the dry, brown sepals break open to reveal the red fruit inside. The light brown seeds inside ashwagandha fruits are flat and kidney-shaped, which is typical for nightshades.
Ashwagandha plants can be grown in the UK as a perennial ornamental plant. We do not recommend growing it for its medicinal use, as the potency of the active ingredients is difficult to determine and consumption could result in poisoning.
When planting ashwagandha, opt for dry, warm and sunny locations on nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. These perennial shrubs do not tolerate waterlogging or damp soils, so a drainage layer is necessary, especially when growing one in a pot. If you want to grow an ashwagandha plant from seed, start it indoors on a warm windowsill between February and March. To do this, sow the ashwagandha seeds and cover them with about 2cm of soil. We suggest using a low-nutrient growing medium, such as our peat-free, sustainably produced Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost. Our seedling compost is well-drained and low in nutrients, effectively preventing waterlogging and promoting strong and healthy root growth. Keep the seeds at 20 to 25 °C and ensure the soil stays moist. The first plantlets should appear after 1 to 2 weeks. Prick out your ashwagandha seedlings after the first true leaves appear, and pot them up individually into fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil.
After the last frosts around mid-May, you can start planting your ashwagandha plants outdoors. Allow them a few days to acclimatise to their new environment first. These plants prefer a warm, sheltered spot in the garden bed. A planter that can hold at least 10 litres is also suitable and makes overwintering easier. As ashwagandha shrubs spread, ensure each plant has at least 1m2 of space to grow. When planting ashwagandha in pots, we recommend using a nutrient-rich organic potting soil, such as our Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost. Our vegetable compost can also be used to improve poor garden soil.
- Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables such as chillies, courgettes & more
- For strong & healthy plant growth as well as an abundant vegetable harvest
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
If you plan on planting ashwagandha in a pot, first place a 5 to 10cm thick drainage layer of gravel, coarse sand or expanded clay at the bottom of the pot. This will improve drainage and help prevent waterlogging. After that, fill the pot partially with potting soil and place the young plant in it at the same depth as it was before transplanting. Fill in the rest of the pot with soil, press everything down lightly and then water thoroughly.
Ashwagandha shrubs are generally low-maintenance, as they do not need pruning or thinning out during the growing season. Water occasionally, but always allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. As these plants pull a lot of nutrients from the soil, we advise fertilising them from June onwards. By this time, the nutrients from the potting soil will have been depleted and the plants will have started to form flower buds. An organic liquid fertiliser, such as our Plantura Liquid Tomato Food, is easy to apply while watering and provides ashwagandha plants with the essential nutrients nitrogen and potassium. Fertilise regularly through to the end of the growing season. Regarding the dosage, we suggest diluting 15 to 25ml in 5 litres of water and applying about once a week.
- Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables
- Liquid fertiliser for healthy plant growth & an abundant harvest
- Quick & easy application – child & pet friendly
Ashwagandha plants are not hardy in the UK and need to be protected from cold damage. As temperatures begin to drop in autumn, move your plant to a bright, heatable area where it does not drop below 10 °C. Whether in your flat, a conservatory or elsewhere, ensure wherever you move your plant gets enough light and temperatures remain around 15 to 18 °C. Before moving the plant to its winter quarters, feel free to prune it back by half. This not only makes overwintering your ashwagandha plant easier, but it also takes up less space. The plant will sprout again in spring. Watering is hardly necessary in winter, so do so sparingly to prevent fungal diseases. There is also no need to fertilise until the following spring. Alternatively, you can sow new ashwagandha plants each year as ornamental annuals.
How to Make New Plants Fast! – Easy Plant Propagation
FAQ
How to grind ashwagandha root?
How to extract ashwagandha from plants?
How to dry ashwagandha root?
How to propagate ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha plants are propagated by seeds or cuttings. To start from seeds, soak them in room temperature water for 24-48 hours and then plant them in seed trays. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and provide them with moisture by misting them regularly.
How do you grow ashwagandha seeds?
Here are our step-by-step guides for each method. Sow Ashwagandha seeds indoors in early spring. The seeds need a soil temperature of at least 70°F to germinate, and the plants can take up to 180 days to reach maturity. Starting them indoors is the best way to ensure a long growing season.
How long does it take ashwagandha seeds to sprout?
After planting the seeds in the pots, give them plenty of water and a thin layer of dirt to cover them with. Place the seed pots ideally on a windowsill in a warm, sunny area. It can take 10 to 14 days for ashwagandha seeds to sprout. Up until the seedlings emerge, make sure the soil is kept consistently moist.
Is ashwagandha easy to grow?
Ashwagandha is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can provide you with a variety of health benefits. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Ashwagandha plant thrives. Ashwagandha is a relatively easy plant to grow, but it does have some specific requirements in terms of soil, water, and sunlight. Soil