Annual
Withania somnifera - Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry
An Indian tonic similar to Ginseng. Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub easily grown from seed, but requires a long season to mature. Use roots but take care it can be toxic due to its alkaloids. It is used widely in India and has sedative, aphrodisiac and rejuvenative effects, is well known in the West, used for everything from general weakness, insomnia, wasting diseases, rheumatics, multiple sclerosis, impotence and infertility. Ashwagandha seed is both hypnotic and diuretic and the leaves can be used as an insect repellent. Seed is used in the production of vegetarian cheeses.

General Sowing information: Herb seeds can be sown from early spring onwards, when the ground has warmed up they can be direct sown. All herbs come complete with germination instructions.