# How to Grow Astragalus
Astragalus is a perennial member of the bean family and an important herb in Chinese medicine, where the dried root is known as huang-qi. Astragalus is in bloom from June to August on a plant that grows to 2 feet tall. It is easily started from seed sown directly into the garden in the spring, after the last frost for your area. Astralagus is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 6.
Things You'll Need
- Coarse sand
- Gardening fork
- Rake
- Small bowl
Instructions
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1
Choose a location to plant the astalagus seeds that receives full sun all day.
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2
Amend the soil with a 4-inch layer of sand, mixed to a depth of 8 inches. Rake the bed smooth.
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3
Soak the astragalus seeds in hot tap water for 24 hours.
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4
Push the seeds 1/2 inch into the soil and cover with sand.
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5
Water the seed bed until the soil is moist to a depth of 3 inches. Keep the soil moist while the astralagus seed germinates. This should occur within one to two months.
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6
Remove the weakest seedlings when the plants have their fourth set of leaves. The final distance between plants should be 1 foot.
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7
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.
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