The blizzard of ’99 is here and now that we have a little time, we need to start planning our spring planting. I was out checking the stratifying pits this morning and the embryos are developing nicely. This thick blanket of snow will really help in the development as it serves as an insulator. Too long of an exposure to subfreezing temperatures can retard germination. This might be of benefit to our Australian growers and others south of the equator, but it can cause plants to come up in the middle of August instead of April.

As spring progresses and the thawing cycles begin, it triggers the germination within the ginseng seed. Spring planting will many times yield better results than fall planting. Your planting window is much briefer and Mother Nature is very much in charge. You can plant anytime from the 15^th of February to the 1^st of April. Ginseng normally comes up around the 15^th of April. It takes from four to six weeks for the plants to come up after planting.

At the very first sign of spring, I am going to start getting orders ready and shipped. I ship your orders in a stratified storage container. Your seeds are blended with sand and can be safely stored for up to eight weeks. Place your orders early. Place your order today and I will ship it to you about March 1^st or earlier, depending on weather conditions. Please check out the changes in our web page at  as you place your order.

This newsletter is open and welcomes articles and comments from throughout the wildcrafting world. If you know a ginsenger or shang hunter out there in the real wilderness, give him a copy of this newsletter and tell him to at least buy a web TV.

In closing, I will try to keep you up and abreast of the spring planting. Step number one, if you have not already done so, buy a copy of the "Ginseng Grower’s Guide". This highly condensed guide will bring you up to speed in a hurry.

Panax Newsletter Copyright 1999, Michael Hunter