Leaving Kon Tum City early in the morning, crossing more than 120 km of dangerous, steep, winding passes to reach Tu Mo Rong District, we approached the ginseng growing site of Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng Joint Stock Company (well-known for its brand Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng K5). After that, we walked more than 30 minutes along the forest trail to reach the Ngoc Linh ginseng nursery.
With the characteristic of growing under the canopy of old forest in the districts of Tu Mo Rong and Dak Glei in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng K5 is seeded, nursed into a tree, and then brought back to a completely natural forest.
Lush green seed beds at the nursery. Here, more than 30 workers are diligently ploughing the porous soil layer, searching within for about 1-year-old Ngoc Linh ginseng sprouts. If the seeds have sprouted, they will have 1 or 2 leaves. If the seedlings have already formed and the roots have fully attached, it will ensure the growth of the ginseng when returned to a natural growing environment…
Workers meticulously search for the remaining varieties of Ngoc Linh ginseng. After harvesting, the ginseng seedings are put in pots by the workers and begin the classification process.
Workers sort ginseng, then bundle it in banana leaves, with each bundle including 100 ginseng seedlings.
Workers spread dry leaves and humus to keep the beds moist.
Workers set up mouse traps at the Ngoc Linh ginseng nurseries.
Workers collect ginseng seedings into bags, move them to the location to sow and plant a new batch of ginseng in 2021.
Workers plant ginseng on beds made with ready-made soil, ensuring moisture for plants to grow and live well.
When the ginseng plant enters the “hibernation” stage, the ginseng leaves droop, allowing the plant to develop tubers.
Uniquely Ngoc Linh ginseng grows in tree hollows, local people call these ginseng plants “flying ginseng” because the ginseng seeds fly into the hollow with the wind to create a tree.
Ginseng roots can easily be seen emerging from the soil in 5 to 6-year-old ginseng plants at the Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng K5 garden.
