Live Goldenseal Root
Goldenseal grows well in a moist woodland environment.
Therefore, goldenseal needs plenty of shade, humus--rich soil ,
that’s acid or slightly acid (in ph),constant moisture, and in a
non--competitive, weed--free growing area.
PLENTY OF SHADE : intermittent sunshine. No more than a full 2
hour span of direct sunlight per day. Preferably less.
HUMUS-RICH SOIL: Soil that consist of mostly decayed
vegetation: old compost, or aged horse or steer manures.
Peat top soils are idea. (this is not the same medium as peat moss).
SOIL THAT IS ACID OR SLIGHTLY ACID: humus--rich soil is normally
acid (a.k.a. ‘sour’).Other indicators of acid soils: if the area that
you are in supports any of the following plants and trees,
your soil is most likely acid: berries: huckleberries, blueberries,
raspberries. blackberries; nettles; pines, firs, cedars, oaks; wild
roses, azalea, rhododendron…
CONSTANT MOISTURE: The surface of the soil in your
goldenseal bed should not be allowed to dry out. Keep it
watered, but not swampy.
WEED-FREE: Grasses and competition from other shallow-rooted
plants (and trees) tend to choke out goldenseal. (in my area,
birch tree roots will extinguish a goldenseal bed totally in 3
years if left unattended…)
SPACING BETWEEN PLANTS: Goldenseal plants are not singular;
goldenseal thrives in clumps and patches...
Planting the roots a “fist’ apart is a good general rule. However, after
the 4th season the clumps mature and get ‘woody’ and the ‘heart’
of the clump starts to decay and pushes outward. So (in the Fall)
after the fourth year, dig up the clump(s) and divide…
TEMPERATURES: In the winter of 1989--90 in northern Idaho we
had a week of minus 20 degrees. For 3 of those days the temps
dipped to minus 30. That following Spring the goldenseal
showed no signs of stress. (unlike the grower…). In mid July
through the 1st of September we experience some spells of 95
degree temperatures. Just don’t allow the soil to dry out and
goldenseal will be okay.
PEST: White flies (on the underside of the leaves) in “drought”
years. No problem with the deer munching on the somewhat bitter goldenseal leaves…
If you have any other questions, give me a call…otherwise, good
planting and good luck!
Birch Grove Nursery
P.O. Box 295
Ponderay, Idaho 83852
208-263-8407
norm13fronk@hotmail.com