Ashwagandha

Basic Information

Seed Number

27

Seed Name

Ashwagandha

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Medicinal

Plant Family

Solanaceae

Plant Type

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Planting Method

Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 10

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 1

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 10 – Mar 24

Direct Sow

Not Recommended

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 1

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

8 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

10–20 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-90°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

12-18 in

Row Spacing

24-30 in

Thin-To Spacing

Not recorded

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Water regularly during establishment; once established, allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings

Soil Preference

Fast-draining soil; performs well in slightly alkaline soil around pH 7.5-8.0

Minimum Container Size

5 gal

Plant Height

24-36 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–100 days
Succession / Reusable Notes: Good for annual herb beds and pollinator strips.
Zone 6B Notes: Harvest flowers/leaves regularly depending on crop.
Companion Plants: Vegetables, calendula, chamomile, basil, dill, pollinator flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overcrowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Grow as an annual in Zone 6B. Start indoors early because the plant needs a long warm season for good root development and seed production. Transplant only after frost danger has passed and soil is warm.
Germination: Warmth and light improve germination. Research reports optimum germination near 77°F, while growers commonly use approximately 70-90°F.
Harvest: In cold climates, medicinal roots are typically harvested in fall after the first growing season when frost kills the tops.
Seed Saving: Allow berries to ripen fully red and collect mature seed. Dry seed thoroughly before storage.
Special Care: Very frost-sensitive. Avoid cold, wet spring soil and excessive irrigation. It is perennial in warm climates but is grown as an annual in Michigan.
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/withania-somnifera/ — botanical identity, growth habit and annual culture in zones colder than 8
Research Source: Strictly Medicinal Seeds — https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/ashwagandha-vedic-withania-somnifera-seeds-organic/ — germination and 12-inch plant spacing
Research Source: Strictly Medicinal Seeds — https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/ashwagandha-vedic-withania-somnifera-potted-plant-organic/ — full sun, alkaline well-drained soil, dry conditions, height, spacing and cold-climate root harvest
Research Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health — https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha — established medicinal/herbal use
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]