is it legal to grow ginseng in kentucky

by Maryse Hyatt Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Not currently, on private property, but you should ask permission of the property owner prior to harvesting, if you are not the landowner. You must follow the Kentucky laws for trespassing. Harvesting on state property, including state parks is not allowed. Harvesting in all federal management areas is not allowed.

Full Answer

What states grow ginseng?

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When and where to plant ginseng?

Wild ginseng plants are generally started from seed grown on a five year or older plant. Younger ginseng plants don't create many, if any, viable seed and should be protected and passed over for harvest. Wild "sang" hunters are strongly encouraged to plant the mature, crimson seeds they find back in the general area after harvesting a plant. The fall planted ginseng seeds will germinate but not during the following spring.

When is ginseng season in Kentucky?

The harvest season for ginseng in Kentucky is from September 1 to December 1. Kentucky state law requires all harvested ginseng plants to be at least 5 years old and to have at least 3 prongs. Does ginseng grow in my area?

Where does ginseng grow in the United States?

Wild American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, is native to the deciduous forest of the United States, from the Midwest to Maine, and further north into Eastern Canada. The most popular habitat where wild ginseng is found is throughout the Appalachian and Ozark region. In USDA zone maps, ginseng can grow in zones 3 through 7.

Can I grow ginseng in KY?

Kentucky is one of 19 states with a wild ginseng program in place, thanks to the Commonwealth having an abundance of forested habitat that is ideal for growing the plant. In fact, eastern Kentucky is regarded as one of the most prominent areas in the United States for ginseng to flourish.

Can I grow ginseng on my property?

Regulation of wild ginseng harvesting varies from state to state and permits can be obtained at a price, but growing ginseng on private property for home use is possible without risking backwoods feuds or a trip to the slammer. Growing ginseng at home is not difficult, but requires patience.

How much is ginseng worth in Kentucky?

between $400 and $1,000 a poundGinseng may go for between $400 and $1,000 a pound, but Childress says it takes hundreds of dried roots to make weight. Childress says a pound and a half is typically his whole take for a year.

What states allow ginseng growing?

There are 19 states that allow harvesting of wild ginseng for export: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Why is growing ginseng illegal?

Ginseng in the wild is endangered because the method of harvesting involves digging up its roots, which is why harvesting wild ginseng is highly regulated in the US and is illegal in some states.

How much is a pound of ginseng worth?

The average price per pound was $600.00 at mid-season point (October), which is quite high compared to other years, also illustrating the erratic nature in the ginseng market. Prices per pound did have the same result as many years, in that the later in the harvesting or selling season, the higher the price.

How do I sell ginseng in Kentucky?

Kentucky ginseng cannot legally leave the borders of Kentucky without an export certificated issued by our agency. Can I sell my Kentucky ginseng on an auction site, such as E-Bay? Yes, but you first must be a licensed Kentucky dealer. Then, you will need to have an Export Certificate from Kentucky for each lot.

What time of year do you dig ginseng?

Always try to collect only mature ginseng plants that have at least three five-pronged leaves and red berries. Collect the wild ginseng only during harvest season that is September 1 through November 30. If you want to ensure future ginseng plants, always plant the seeds near the harvested plant.

How do you know when ginseng is ready to harvest?

Identify mature ginseng plants.For every year of growth, a stem scar will appear on the root neck of the plant. The plants you harvest should have at least 4 stem scars.You don't need to remove the plant from the ground to count stem scars. ... If the berries are still green, the plant isn't ready for you to harvest.

How much is an acre of ginseng worth?

The ginseng market varies from year to year, but when the price is high it's possible to net up to $50,000 per acre. There is one drawback: it takes from five to 10 years for the roots to reach a marketable size.

What is the price of ginseng this year?

The DNR said the root started at $350 per pound and ended at $600 last year. According to the Indiana DNR, which tracks ginseng sales in the state, the average price per pound for ginseng in the 2019-2020 season was $667.

How long does it take to grow ginseng?

It takes 3 or 4 years for ginseng to reach maturity, after an initial year of preparation so, 4 or 5 crops need to be established before the first crop is harvested. Consequently, growers would need to invest close to $200,000 per acre before there is any income from the crop.

When do you need a Kentucky ginseng license?

In other words, to be a Kentucky Ginseng Dealer on September 1, 2020, apply after July 1, 2020.

When is ginseng harvest season in Kentucky?

Important Dates. Harvesting Season: September 1 - December 1. Buying Season:

When does a Kentucky Ginseng dealer license expire?

A dealer application received on June 30, 2020 will receive a Kentucky Ginseng Dealer License that expires August 31, 2020.

Legal types Of Ginseng

Ginseng of all varieties is allowed. If you live in one of the states listed above, you are allowed to cultivate ginseng at your own speed and discretion. The legal issue only arises when you attempt to cultivate or harvest ginseng in an area where the activity has not been formally sanctioned by state legislation.

How To Legally Harvest Wild Ginseng?

Ginseng plants must be at least 5 years old to be harvested. These are plants with at least four bud scars on the tops of their roots.

How To Grow Ginseng Legally?

First, ensure that the ground is well prepared. The area should be cleared of any weeds or rubbish.

Conclusion

Illegally collecting ginseng is a class one misdemeanor, and any extra charges incurred as a result of the harvesting can soon pile up. Trespassing penalties may be levied if harvesting occurs on private land. Going on a federally protected ground, such as a national forest, can result in criminal prosecution.

How many states allow ginseng?

19 states allow for the free and unrestricted harvesting of wild ginseng to export it. These states include the following: Three other states will only allow you to export ginseng that has been grown and harvested through artificial means. These states are Maine, Michigan, and Washington.

Which states are ginseng grown in?

Three other states will only allow you to export ginseng that has been grown and harvested through artificial means. These states are Maine, Michigan, and Washington. Growing, harvesting, or exporting ginseng is not currently legal in many other states besides the ones mentioned above.

How to harvest ginseng?

The process of harvesting wild ginseng in a legal manner will involve the following steps: 1 You can only harvest from ginseng plants that are 5 or more years old. These are plants that will have at least 4 bud scars on the top of their roots. 2 You can only do the harvesting during an officially designated state harvesting season. 3 You may be required to hold a ginseng harvesting license before you can legally engage in this practice. 4 You need to have permission to harvest ginseng on land that is not owned by you. 5 It’s important to only harvest plants that are already bearing berries. This will allow you to plant the seeds to assure a replenishment of ginseng supply for future harvesting.

How much money does ginseng make?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a recent estimate that put the figure of ginseng harvesting profits at roughly $27 million. This means that ginseng harvesting is a sizable source of profit for a great many growers all across the United States.

Can you grow ginseng?

As noted above, there are many varieties of ginseng or ginseng imitations that you can legally grow. You can always grow Brazilian, Siberian, and Indian ginseng with no worries. This is because these are not true members of the ginseng family.

Is ginseng a real plant?

These include Indian, Brazilian, and Siberian ginseng. Although these plants come close enough to the qualities of true ginseng to be a “ near miss”, they simply are not genuine members of the species. However, since they are not actual members of the ginseng family, you are free to grow them in most areas.

Can you use a GPS to grow ginseng?

You can use a GPS device or some other method. You won’t need to be coming back to the site too often since wild ginseng doesn’t require a great deal of supervision. Make sure the site is kept well out of the reach of children and pets. Ginseng needs to be left alone to grow to its full potential.

How old do ginseng plants need to be to harvest?

Fish and Wildlife Service has rules dictating how to do it: Harvest only from plants that are at least five years old. These will have four or more bud scars on the top of the root.

Where does ginseng grow?

American ginseng is a native North American plant that grows in eastern forests. Originally used by Native Americans, ginseng root has a number of medicinal uses. It is especially important in traditional Chinese medicine, and the majority of harvested roots in the U.S. are exported to China and Hong Kong.

Can you export ginseng?

Other states allow you to harvest and export only ginseng that has been artificially propagated. These include Idaho, Maine, Michigan, and Washington. So, if you propagate ginseng in the woodlands on your property in these states, you can harvest and sell it.

Can you harvest ginseng in the wild?

Image by chengyuzheng. There are a lot of reasons you may consider harvesting wild American ginseng. Ginseng root can be sold for a good price, and it’s notoriously difficult to grow so harvesting it in the wild is common. But American ginseng harvesting is controversial and regulated by law. Know the rules before you go ginseng hunting.

Kentucky Laws

Normally I don’t bother talking about taxes when it comes to growing marijuana, but Kentucky is a special situation. Their marijuana tax penalty is $2000/per plant if you are caught with 5 or more plants.

2017 Updates

In December 2016, Kentucky introduced its Cannabis Compassion Act of 2017 to the Kentucky State Senate. The effort is endorsed by the Kentucky Nurse’s Association and supported by the governor.

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