Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a regional herb that is found primarily in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This medicinal plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stress, anxiety, insomnia, and arthritis. Additionally, ashwagandha is an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a highly sought-after herb for modern medicine and herbalism. In this article, we will discuss the best practices and growing tips for planting ashwagandha in your garden.
Ashwagandha has become an increasingly popular medicinal herb in recent years. Also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, ashwagandha is renowned for its adaptogenic properties that help reduce stress, increase energy, and boost overall wellbeing.
If you’re considering adding ashwagandha to your garden or landscape, one important factor to consider is size. Ashwagandha plants come in a range of sizes, from small container-grown varieties to large shrubs reaching 6-7 feet tall. Choosing the right size ashwagandha for your needs and space can make all the difference in creating a thriving, beautiful plant.
In this article, we’ll explore the different size options for ashwagandha and tips for selecting the right one for your unique landscape and gardening needs
Before diving into sizing let’s first briefly go over some background on this medicinal wonder plant.
Ashwagandha is a perennial shrub that thrives in hot, dry climates like its native India. It produces small greenish-yellow flowers that give way to red berries. The berries contain small seeds, but ashwagandha is more commonly propagated through cuttings.
It’s the roots of the ashwagandha plant that are valued for their medicinal properties. Ashwagandha root contains withanolides, compounds that are believed to carry the herb’s adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and other health benefits.
While ashwagandha can be taken as a supplement, growing your own plants allows you to harvest and use fresh roots as desired. Plus, ashwagandha makes an attractive, low-maintenance addition to any landscape.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Ashwagandha Size
When deciding which size ashwagandha is right for your needs, here are some key factors to weigh:
-
Available space – Consider how much room you have in your garden or landscape for planting. Large shrub varieties need several feet of space all around.
-
Intended use – If you plan to harvest the roots frequently, larger plants will provide greater yields. For ornamental use, smaller sizes may suffice.
-
Sunlight conditions – All sizes need full sun to partial shade, but smaller container plants can more easily be moved for ideal light.
-
Maintenance – Larger plants have higher water and fertilizer needs; smaller sizes are lower maintenance.
-
Propagation method – Smaller potted varieties are often propagated cuttings, while you may need to grow larger plants from seed.
Overview of Ashwagandha Size Options
Taking these factors into account, let’s look at some of the most common size options for ashwagandha and their unique benefits:
Small Ashwagandha Plants
-
Height/width – Typically 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
-
Best for – Small gardens, containers, balconies; ornamental use.
-
Care – Lower maintenance needs, easier to move for sun.
-
Sourcing – Often sold potted from nurseries; can be grown from cuttings.
Small ashwagandha varieties are great choices for gardeners short on space. Their compact size makes them ideal for container growing on patios and balconies, as well as tucking into ornamental garden beds. While they produce a smaller root harvest, their simple care needs and attractive flowers make up for this downside.
Medium Ashwagandha Plants
-
Height/width – Usually 4-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
-
Best for – Moderate gardens; occasional root harvest.
-
Care – Moderate needs; can be grown in containers or ground.
-
Sourcing – Sold potted or grow from seeds or cuttings.
With the ability to grow a little larger than their small counterparts, medium ashwagandha plants can produce slightly bigger root harvests. Their size also makes them a striking additions to ornamental beds or as specimens in a landscape. Medium plants need a bit more care but are still relatively easy for most gardeners to grow successfully.
Large Ashwagandha Plants
-
Height/width – Typically 6-7 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
-
Best for – Large gardens with ample room; maximizing root harvests.
-
Care – Higher maintenance needs, best direct sown in ground.
-
Sourcing – Grow from seed; sometimes available potted.
For gardeners who want to get the most out of their ashwagandha, going big with large, shrub-like varieties is the way to go. Given enough space, care, and time to mature, these plants can produce bumper crops of medicinal roots. However, their larger size and thirstier water needs do limit them to larger gardens. Getting your hands on larger plants may also require growing from seed.
Tips for Planting Your Ashwagandha
Once you’ve selected your ideal ashwagandha plant size, follow these tips to give it the best start:
-
Amend soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Ashwagandha likes nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
-
For potted varieties, gently loosen the roots before planting. This encourages growth.
-
Water newly planted ashwagandha frequently until established. 1-2 inches of water per week is ideal.
-
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
-
Install supports or cages early to accommodate growth. Some varieties can get quite large and heavy.
-
Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness, especially in first year.
With the right ashwagandha variety, care, and growing conditions you can reap an abundant root harvest and enjoy this medicinal plant’s beauty for years to come. Let your space and needs guide you in selecting the perfect size plant for your unique garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy an ashwagandha plant?
Ashwagandha plants and seeds are available from many online nurseries that specialize in medicinal herbs, as well as some local nurseries in warmer hardiness zones. Size options range from small starter plants to larger shrubs depending on the retailer.
What size pot should I use for a container grown plant?
For small varieties, start with a 10-12 inch diameter container. Medium plants may need 14 inches or larger, while bigger pots up to 20 inches work best for larger plants. Make sure the container has drainage holes.
How long does it take ashwagandha to reach full size?
This depends on the variety, but in ideal growing conditions most achieve their full size within 1-2 growing seasons. Smaller plants reach maturity faster than large ones which can take 2 years.
Should I prune my ashwagandha plant?
Light pruning in late winter to remove damaged growth can help stimulate new growth and maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning which can impact root growth.
What size ashwagandha is best for powdering roots?
Larger, mature plants will produce bigger root harvests and more root matter to powder. But even small container plants will provide enough for personal use powdering.
Harvesting and Storing Your Ashwagandha Crop: Best Practices
Ashwagandha roots are typically harvested in the fall after the plant has completed flowering and started to die back. Carefully unearth the roots and remove any excess soil, then wash them thoroughly and let them dry in the sun. Once dry, grind the roots into a fine powder and store them in airtight containers in a cool and dry location away from sunlight. The use of fresh roots can also be done for cooking and medicine making.
It is important to note that the potency of ashwagandha roots can vary depending on the time of harvest. Roots harvested in the fall tend to have higher levels of withanolides, the active compounds in ashwagandha, compared to those harvested in the spring. Additionally, the age of the plant can also affect the potency of the roots. Younger plants tend to have higher levels of withanolides compared to older plants. Therefore, it is recommended to harvest ashwagandha roots from plants that are at least two years old to ensure maximum potency.
Pest and Disease Management for Ashwagandha Plants: Common Problems to Watch Out For
Ashwagandha is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but some issues can still arise. The plant can sometimes be affected by root-knot nematodes, which can cause the roots to become knotted and form galls. Leaf spot diseases can also affect the plant, leading to yellowing and browning of the leaves. Its essential to practice good garden hygiene and remove infected plant material promptly. Companion planting with alliums or marigolds can also help repel pests and deter diseases.
In addition to root-knot nematodes and leaf spot diseases, ashwagandha plants can also be susceptible to spider mites. These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, as well as webbing on the plant. To prevent spider mites, its important to keep the plant well-watered and to avoid over-fertilizing. If an infestation does occur, spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap can help control the population.