The Growing Conditions of Wild Ginseng

Changbai Mountain (Jilin Province, China) consists of all the stringent conditions required for the growth of wild ginseng. The survival rate of wild ginseng is less than 5% hence it could not survive if any of the requirements below are not satisfied. During these 15 years period, wild ginseng may also be affected by unpredictable factors such as pests, diseases, and unusual weather.

Elevation: Wild ginseng grows in the deep forest at an altitude of 1000-2000 meters.

Climate: Wild ginseng must be grown in a continental monsoon climate with a large temperature differences between day and night. The significant variation in temperature (hot summers and cold winters) of Changbai Mountain is suitable for the growth of wild ginseng. The average annual temperature must be between 1℃-7.5℃ while annual precipitation required is between 500mm-1300mm.

Sun ray and temperature: Wild ginseng cannot grow under uncovered forest floor and completely dark forest. The forest floor of Changbai Mountain is covered by snow for a long-time during winter, keeping the roots warm from the extreme cold.

Humidity and soil: The soil moisture must be between 30% and 45%. If the humidity levels are too low or too high, it will cause insufficient air in the soil, resulting in decay and incomplete growth of wild ginseng. Wild ginseng tends to grow in loose and acidic soil (between pH 5.5-6.2) which has organic substances and thick humus layer.