Where to Buy Ashwagandha Plant: Finding the Best Source for High Quality Plants

Ashwagandha has become an increasingly popular herbal supplement due to its many purported health benefits. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting brain function this Ayurvedic herb has a lot to offer. If you want to experience the benefits of ashwagandha for yourself growing your own plants is a great option. However, finding a reputable source to buy ashwagandha plants from can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of finding the best ashwagandha plant source so you can grow happy, healthy plants.

Overview of Ashwagandha

Before diving into sources, let’s do a quick rundown of what exactly ashwagandha is and why it’s worth growing. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The name itself translates to “smell of horse” due to the distinct musky odor of the plant’s roots. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to and withstand stressors.

Some of the key benefits of ashwagandha include

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Boosting brain function and memory
• Lowering blood sugar levels
• Reducing inflammation
• Increasing testosterone and fertility in men
• Boosting energy and endurance
• Improving quality of sleep

The potent medicinal properties of the root are what make ashwagandha so prized. So when you’re buying an ashwagandha plant, you want one that will produce high quality, potent roots.

Buying Ashwagandha Plants Online

One of the easiest ways to get your hands on an ashwagandha plant is to order one online. There are many ashwagandha plants, seeds, and root cuttings available from online nurseries and herb shops. However, not all online sources are created equal when it comes to quality. Here are some tips for finding reputable online ashwagandha plant sources:

Look for specialty medicinal herb retailers

Rather than general nurseries, seek out retailers that specialize in selling medicinal herb plants. They are more likely to have expertise in properly growing and caring for ashwagandha plants. The plants will be optimized for medicinal potency.

Some examples of high quality specialty medicinal herb retailers online include:

• Horizon Herbs
• Strictly Medicinal Seeds
• Pacific Botanicals

Read reviews

Don’t just take the retailer’s word when it comes to plant quality. Spend some time reading through independent customer reviews. This will give you unbiased insight into the true quality of the plants sold. Look for reviewers commenting on the health, size, and potency of the plants they received.

Consider shipping methods

Since you’ll be buying an live plant online, shipping is an important consideration. Look for retailers that use expedited shipping methods and guarantee the safe arrival of your plant.

Buy from organic growers

Ashwagandha plants grown organically without pesticides or chemicals will produce the cleanest, most potent medicine. Seek out retailers that note their plants are certified organic or grown using organic practices.

Avoid too cheap plants

Very cheap plants are almost always lower quality stock that likely won’t thrive. Expect to pay fair prices for healthy, high quality ashwagandha plants.

Purchasing Ashwagandha Plants Locally

You may also be able to source ashwagandha plants from local nurseries, garden centers, farmer’s markets or specialty herb shops. There are a few things to look out for when buying locally:

• Inspect plants thoroughly – Check for any signs of damage, disease, pests, or poor health. Examine the leaves, stems and roots.

• Ask about growing methods – Inquire about whether the plants were grown organically or chemically. This gives insight into medicinal potency.

• Consider climate suitability – Make sure the plant you choose is suited for growing in your particular climate zone. Chat with the grower about this.

• Buy from herb experts – Shop at medicinal herb nurseries over general gardening centers for the highest quality plants.

• Avoid root-bound plants – Don’t purchase plants that are severely pot-bound or rootbound. This stunts growth.

Growing Ashwagandha from Seeds

You also have the option of growing your ashwagandha plants from seeds rather than buying starter plants. When buying ashwagandha seeds online or locally, check that:

• The seeds are sold by a reputable retailer, ideally that specializes in medicinal herbs.
• The seeds are labeled with a pack date and “best by” date – only buy fresh seeds.
• The seeds are non-GMO and organic.

Once you’ve sourced high quality ashwagandha seeds, you can germinate them at home. Soak seeds overnight prior to planting. Sow seeds in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant seedlings when they reach 3-4 inches tall. With TLC, you’ll gain a thriving ashwagandha patch from seed.

Key Things to Look For in a Quality Source

Whether buying plants, seeds or cuttings, these are the mark of a top-tier ashwagandha source:

• Specializes in medicinal herbs – Look for niche herb growers over general sources.

• Organic growing practices – Plants grown without chemicals or pesticides are highest potency.

• Good reviews – Customers vouch for healthy, robust plants being delivered.

• Lab testing – The best sellers will have plants tested for medicinal compounds.

• Fresh products – Seeds should be packed for the current growing season.

• Guaranteed live delivery – A mark of a professional grower is guaranteeing live arrival.

Grow Your Own Ashwagandha Medicinal Garden

With so many potential health benefits, growing your own ashwagandha is more than worth the effort. Sourcing plants or seeds from a reputable supplier will set you up for success. Look for specialized medicinal herb growers that use organic practices. Once you have quality ashwagandha seeds or plants in hand, you can enjoy growing this healing herb in your own garden.