Roots.....

[FTB]

Hi all new here....

 It's been awhile since I've messed with roots. I know Blood root and Mayapple need picked now.Whats the best time for Blue and Black Cohoshes?I think it was Aug when I use to start.I seem to be just a bit to north for Golden seal.Haven't found it here yet..

 I heard that the New date for seng in Pa was suppose to be to be changed to Sept 1st now.Did this new law pass? I hope,People always stated to early anyways...

 When is seng seed and rootlets ready for sale?..Does anyone sale golden seal seeds here?

[Brad]

Hi FTB, welcome!

I don't really know for sure, but if you are going to harvest those roots, August seems like a good time for me. 

I am not familiar with the PA laws.  What is posted in the LAWS section was done last year and I can't guarantee that it is current at this point.

I don't think you will find goldenseal seeds for sale, and if you do, don't buy them.  The germination rate for seal is very low (I seem to remember in the 30s%), and they have to be sowed right away while green.  You are much better to buy them as roots for transplanting.  You can often break them up again in a year or two and expand your planting again.

I will normally open for orders of seed and rootlets about the first of August.  However, with the crunch in seeds this year, I might open in a few weeks for larger orders (with an early discount of course).  I don't know what will be available for digging until the middle or late July. 

[FTB]

Thanks Brad...

 I just want no more than 2 or 3 oz.That should be around 1500 seeds or so.I just want them for the areas that cry seng and don't have any or put back more than I take.Even if I never get a chance to pick it.The seng will be there for someone else to find some day.I just don't have the means to become a grower.I just mess around with the wild stuff.

 Do you have some seal rootlets for sale? I'd like to try to get some started here along with the seng seeds.

 Is your seeds treated for damping off?

 Thanks.....Frank

[Brad]

Well, damping off is a general term for a number of possible fungal diseases associated with cool, wet conditions.  Often the seed I sell will have an anti-fungal treatment before when I receive it.

I have some goldenseal planted, and some wild patches from which I can take starts.  I'm sure I can supply whatever you need in that regard.  I generally sell 2 ounces of seed for $20, and figure 800-900 seeds.  Traditionally, a pound (about 7000 seeds) has been priced about $80.  Unfortunately, I do expect a small price increase this year.

[FTB]

Brad

 On that goldenseal do I want the same sand/peat mix as I'm doing for seng?It just needs more light right?50% I just read.....Never grew it before either.Looked for wild but can't find any....

 Thanks Frank

[Brad]

As you see in the pics on the other thread, I grow it right in the ginseng beds.  In fact, I've seen some benefit in planting larger ginseng among goldenseal.  I see less disease that way.  I understand goldenseal has natural anti-fungal properties.

[FTB]

Brad

 I haven't read that yet.If it has anti-fungal properties wonder why more people don't mix it in the seng then.Learn something new everyday..

[Brad]

I think most likely it has to do with $25/pound vs $500/pound.