How to Buy Ginseng Seeds

Ginseng for Personal Use

• Many suppliers of ginseng offer online purchasing, in both seed and rootlet form. As of late August 2010, the average price approximately $10 for 100 seeds. Ginseng seeds can also be purchased at local nurseries; the price is often better online, but there are obvious benefits to picking it up directly.

Ginseng for Profit

• Ginseng seeds are also sold by the pound. If you plan to grow and sell ginseng, this can be a viable option; volume-based discounts are often available. In the United States, ginseng distribution is regulated at the state level. As of August 2010, states with regulations related to ginseng are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Some U.S. suppliers self-regulate the export of ginseng seeds and rootlets to foreign countries, in an effort to retain an unsaturated market.

Online Ginseng Suppliers

• Online ginseng suppliers include Wild Grown, Seed Rack and Johnny Seeds. If you're planning to be a commercial grower, Wild Grown has the best bulk prices, the most comprehensive growing guide and a state-by-state list of ginseng buyers. Keep in mind--the rule of thumb for sowing is four seeds per square foot of shady, drained, woody land. Don't plant too much in too small an area or the quality will decrease significantly.