Ashwagandha Seeds — Withania somnifera

Grow Your Own Ancient Adaptogen

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, prized for thousands of years for its adaptogenic properties. Also known as Indian Ginseng or Winter Cherry, this striking perennial produces small, star-shaped flowers followed by papery-husked berries reminiscent of tomatillos — and beneath the soil, the thick, fleshy roots are the real prize. Growing your own ashwagandha is a deeply rewarding experience, connecting your garden to one of the world's oldest herbal traditions.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🌿 Renowned adaptogenic herb — one of Ayurveda's most celebrated plants, grown for its medicinal roots
• 🌸 Ornamental as well as useful — attractive star-shaped flowers and decorative papery-husked berries
• ☀️ Loves warmth and sun — thrives in NZ's warmer regions and sheltered garden spots
• 🌱 Easy to grow from seed — fast-germinating and rewarding for the herb garden or food forest
• 🏺 Harvest the roots — typically ready after the first growing season for drying and use

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow seeds in spring once soil has warmed, into a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Ashwagandha is drought-tolerant once established and dislikes waterlogged conditions. Start indoors in seed trays 4–6 weeks before the last frost for a head start, then transplant to 60 cm apart. Best suited to warmer NZ regions such as Northland, Auckland, Hawke's Bay, and Nelson, though it can be grown as an annual in cooler areas. Harvest roots in autumn after the plant begins to die back.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 5 seeds of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).