Ashwagandha is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, used for human health. This herb keeps humans healthy both mentally and physically. This plant belongs to the Nightshade Family, which is also known by the names Indian ginseng and winter cherry etc. The botanical name of Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha is used to relieve stress, anxiety, fatigue, pain, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, etc. If you want to grow Ashwagandha at home from seed in India then you are at the right place. In This Article, You Will Know How to Grow the Aswandha Plant at home in a Pot.
Read More: How To Grow Hydroponic Vegetables At Home
Can ashwagandha be grown from seed?
Growing Ashwagandha from seeds is quite straightforward. This plant thrives in regions with low rainfall, so if you’re in an area with more rain, consider planting it before the monsoon or during a season with lower humidity. Ashwagandha doesn’t demand much water, so add only a little water in the beginning.
When sowing Ashwagandha seeds, plant them at a depth of 2-3 cm in the soil. If you’re planting multiple trees, leave a radius of about 10 cm between each. The germination process takes approximately 15 days, and during this period, ensure the seeds receive adequate water until they start growing a bit.
Buy Seeds 👉 Ashwagandha
Read more: How to Grow Plants from Bulbs: Complete Details
The best soil for growing Ashwagandha plant
To grow Ashwagandha seeds in pots, you need well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal For Ashwagandha Plant because it has very good drainage. Ashwagandha plant requires some amount of alkaline soil, whose pH should be between 7.5 to 8.0.
Ashwagandha plant cannot grow in soil that remains wet because it does not require much water. If you plant it in excessively waterlogged soil, it may damage the roots of the plant. You can also use readymade potting soil for good growth of the Ashwagandha plant because a sufficient amount of nutrients are present in this soil. Nutrient-rich soil is good for Ashwagandha. You can use a balanced organic fertilizer to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season.
Read More: Top 10 summer vegetables in India
How to Grow Ashwagandha Plant in the Pot at Home
If you are considering growing the Ashwagandha herb at home, you can plant this herb in a pot or container. Let’s find out the method for planting Ashwagandha seeds in a pot.
Planting Ashwagandha Seeds
To grow ashwagandha from seeds First of all Select a large pot with drainage holes to ensure proper water drainage. For the cultivation of Ashwagandha seeds, a pot with a width of 10 to 12 inches is needed.
Prepare Well-Draining Potting Mix
Now fill the selected pot or Grow bag with soil. While filling the soil, keep in mind that the pot should be 3 inches empty from the top and The soil should be Well-Draining. After Filling the pot or grow bag with the soil mix moisten it slightly. Place the seeds on top of the soil and lightly press them down. Place the seeds about ½ inch deep in the middle of the pot. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Providing optimal growth conditions
Ashwagandha plant thrives in temperatures between 21°C to 35°C. Therefore, keep the pot in a place where it gets 5 to 6 hours of sunlight. The plant must be protected from strong winds as they can damage its delicate stems.
Ashwagandha water Need
During the germination period, Ashwagandha should be watered consistently to maintain moist soil without excessive wetness. With proper care, seeds can take 6 to 14 days to germinate.
Ashwagandha Sunlight Need
Keep the pot in such a place that it can get good ventilation. Ashwagandha requires at least 5- 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Ashwagandha Fertilizer Need
It is important to provide fertilizer to healthy Ashwagandha plants to grow well. It provides essential nutrients for their growth and development. In this, you should use such fertilizer which is rich in organic matter. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure are excellent choices. It is best to fertilize plants during their active growing season which is spring and summer. Avoid giving them excess fertilizer during winter.
Read More: How to Fertilize Indoor Plants: Best Fertilizers and When to Use Them
Pest and Disease Management
Although the ashwagandha plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. it can occasionally be affected by aphids or root rot. To Protect from the, Spray the plant with a mixture of mild soap and water. You Can also use Neem oil sprayed to protect the plant from pests and diseases. If a plant has root rot, remove the affected plants immediately to prevent further spread. Proper drainage of the soil also reduces the chances of plant roots rotting.
Read More: How To Care For Peas Plant: Quick Tips!
Harvesting
Harvest the roots after six months to a year when they reach the appropriate size. The Ashwagandha herbal plant is harvested in the dry season when the leaves of the plant start drying up, and the colour of the fruits changes to red-orange. Dry the roots thoroughly before using them as an herb.
Read More: Hydroponic Harvest: Our Simple Guide to Growing Veggies Without Soil!
