Goldenseal Cultivation
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Jack Dolan
Posted on: November 25, 1999

I was interested in the Forest Farming book that was mentioned in a discussion of growing Goldenseal. Also, would you have any other info about growing Goldenseal ? I live in North Idaho and have 10 acres of shade to grow this crop. Would it be feasable ?

I am not familiar with the book you mention, but I think you could grow goldenseal in your location.

Keep the following cultural requirements in mind:

Goldenseal is hardy in zones 4 to 8 and grows naturally on north or north-east facing slopes of hardwood forests. It needs a rich, moist well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7 and 75% shade during late spring and summer. Softwood forests would be too dark in the early spring and the fungi associated with these trees may harm goldenseal and ginseng (on page 432 of Cultivation and Utilization of Medicinal Plants edited by Atal & Kapur, Soon-Keun Hong warns not to use pine or alder sawdust).

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