American ginseng

American ginseng should be watered thoroughly when the soil begins to dry out, typically once every 1-2 weeks. When watering, it is important to ensure that the plant is getting sufficient moisture without overwatering, as ginseng requires moist, but not soggy, conditions. When you water, use room-temperature water and aim to deeply saturate the soil, then wait until the top inch or 2 of soil is dry before watering again. In the hotter months, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) prefers to grow in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and in partial shade. Generally, the amount of sunlight it should receive depends on where it is planted and the time of year. During the summer months, American ginseng should receive 3-4 hours of sunlight per day; whereas in the winter months, only 1-2 hours of sunlight per day should be needed. The amount of sunlight it receives is also dependent on its location and the time of day - for example, plants that are in full sun all day require more shade than plants growing in partial shade. During the spring and fall months, American ginseng should receive between 2-3 hours of sunlight per day.

Pruning American ginseng is generally done during the springtime when the plant is actively growing. During this time, prune lightly to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and increase air circulation in the plant. It is recommended to remove up to 25-30% of the plant material annually. However, avoid pruning during the summer season as this could damage the plant further. Keeping your American ginseng in check by annual pruning will help promote healthy new growth in the spring.