Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Plant family: Solanaceae

Ashwagandha is an herb that is native to India and it grows very well in Central Texas.

Growing Ashwagandha

Like tomatoes and peppers, it's a nightshade. It grows well in our hot, dry summers and gets about 2-3 feet tall. Plant this perennial in full sun and well-drained soil. We recommend starting seeds indoors over the winter for early spring planting or buying transplants from a nursery (like us!). You can probably also sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after the last frost. We just don't do a lot of direct sowing around here, so can't speak from personal experience.

Working with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known as an adaptogen, helping the body better respond to stress. We harvest ashwagandha roots in the fall or winter when the leaves begin to yellow and the plant is dormant. We'll carefully dig up the roots to wash, and then we'll either dry them for storage or process them further.

A note about adaptogens: While the term has become popular in recent years, it can encourage an extraction-based mindset that is all about what we can take rather than how we can get to know this plant. Plants don't necessarily want to be “used” right away. Sometimes the best first step is simply to spend time with a plant, growing it, tending to it, observing it, and listening. Root medicine often requires ending a plant's life, and that requires respect and care.

Should you choose not to harvest the plant in the first year, you'll be allowing the plant more time to get established while giving yourself more time to form a relationship.

Collecting Ashwagandha Seeds

Ashwagandha seeds grow inside small red fruits enclosed in papery husks (like tiny tomatillos). The tiny seeds are inside. The husks turn tan and brittle when the fruits are ripe and ready for harvest. Scoop out the small seeds, separate them from the pulp, and be sure they're completely dry before storing.