Kentucky Proud

Ginseng-Harvesters and Collectors

Ginseng-Harvesters and Collectors

  • Harvest season is from September 1 - December 1.
  • Only harvest plants that are 5 years old or 3 pronged. Remember, this a minium harvest age.Ginseng Life Cycle from AHPA
  • If berries, red or green, are present on harvested root, they need to be planted within 50 feet with no tool other than your finger.
  • If you are harvesting on private land, no permit is required. However, we remind you to follow all trespassing laws.
  • The ONLY public lands in Kentucky available for ginseng harvest is the Daniel Boone National Forest. A permit is required, and ginseng harvested is for personal-use only. Click here for more information
  • Sell your ginseng only to a licensed Kentucky Dealer.
  • Do not send your ginseng by mail to an out-of-state dealer.
  • Do not leave the borders of Kentucky with Kentucky ginseng.

    Important Dates
  • Harvesting Season: September 1 -December 1
  • Buying Season: Green starts September 1
  • Dry season: September 15 - March 31

 

Ginseng Growth cycle -

Kentucky ginseng seedling (one year) plant.To the left are two ginseng seedlings - one year old plants.

 

Below is an at least two year old ginseng plant that has two prongs.

 

Kentucky ginseng - two pronged plant.

 

Kentucky ginseng growing in the woods. This is a three-pronged plant that is at least three years of age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At  left - Kentucky ginseng growing in the woods. This is a three-pronged plant that is at least three years of age.

 

Below is a ginseng plant that is three pronged.

 

Kentucky ginseng, four pronged plant.

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