🌿 Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
herbs perennial shrub (grown as annual in temperate)
🗺️ Zones
4-9
🧪 Soil pH
7.0-8.0 (tolerates alkaline; prefers well-drained sandy loam)
📏 Spacing
12-18 in. apart, 24 in. between rows
📅 Days to Maturity
150-180 days (from seed); roots harvested when berries turn red, about 5-6 months
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ []
🤝 Companions (5)
Basil repels whiteflies and mosquitoes that affect ashwagandha; both prefer well-drained soil and warm conditions.
🤝 marigold
Marigolds deter root-knot nematodes and many pests that threaten ashwagandha roots; strong pest-suppressing companion.
🤝 chamomile
Chamomile accumulates calcium, potassium, and sulfur in soil, improving nutrient availability for ashwagandha; both are drought-tolerant.
Yarrow attracts predatory wasps and hoverflies that control pests on ashwagandha; both thrive in poor, dry soils.
Nasturtium acts as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from ashwagandha; both tolerate low-fertility soil.
⚠️ Keep Apart (2)
Growth inhibition or competition
⚠️ heavy nitrogen-fixers too close
Growth inhibition or competition
💊 Medicinal Uses
Contains withanolides (anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic), withaferin A (anti-tumor), alkaloids, and saponins. Key Ayurvedic adaptogen for stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Supports adrenal function, thyroid health, cognitive function, and immune response. Used for insomnia, arthritis, and male fertility.