Astragalus

Astragalus is a healing perennial plant from China that is grown for its root. It is used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine as an immune system tonic, fortifying and strengthening the immune system over time. These nitrogen-fixing, leguminous plants benefit from mycorrhizal inoculation and prefer full sun and good drainage. Plants get from 3-6 feet tall with yellow pea-like flowers and small green pods. Lightly scarify seeds with sandpaper (or a rock!) for better germination. A cool treatment of 20 days (in refrigerator or outdoors in winter) can also help the seeds germinate better.

Days to maturity: Harvest roots in second year

Seeds per pack: 50-55

Germination rate: 77% (total viability: 89%) on 02/05/2024 (read more about viability)

Planting / harvesting notes

Lightly scarify seeds with sandpaper (or a rock!) for better germination. A cool treatment of 20 days (in refrigerator or outdoors in winter) can also help the seeds germinate better. Alternatively, you can direct sow seeds in later winter or early spring. We sow ours in March in the greenhouse, and transplant into the ground in May. Dig roots starting in second year.

Seed keeping notes

Harvest seeds when pods turn brown and crispy. Shell and allow to dry completely before storing.

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