Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Plant

Description

Withania somnifera, known as Ashwagandha, is an evergreen shrub which grows to 1 metres tall producing dull green leaves and small, green, bell-shaped flowers. The fruit is berry-like and turns an orange-red within a papery case when ripe.

An important medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system after illness. Ashwagandha may also improve blood sugar, inflammation, mood, memory, stress, and anxiety, as well as a boost in muscle strength and fertility.

Ashwagandha has been shown to support a sluggish thyroid for people diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. It is also described in ayurvedic medicine, as a powerful aphrodisiac.

 

• Common Name.

Ashagwanda; Indian Ginseng; Poison Gooseberry; Winter cherry.

 

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant

 

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Withania somnifera thrives in warm, dry climates and is well suited to subtropical, semi-arid, and Mediterranean regions. It grows best in full sun and prefers light, well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Once established, Ashwagandha is highly drought tolerant and generally performs better in relatively dry conditions than in consistently wet soils.

Pruning: Throughout the growing season, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems as needed to maintain plant health and appearance. If grown as a perennial in frost-free climates, plants can be cut back by up to one-third after fruiting or at the beginning of the growing season to encourage vigorous new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Withania somnifera is generally a hardy plant with relatively few pest problems, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, particularly during hot, dry weather or when plants are stressed. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

 

 

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

 

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

 

 

Have a look at the other Withania somnifera products we stock

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Seed

Withania somniferum (Ashwagandha) 5% Withanolides Root Extract

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) 1:2 Tincture

 

 

 

*Traditional uses and general information on products are provided for educational purposes only. We do not make any therapeutic claims. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.