Astragalus, Heirloom Herb Seeds

Astragalus, Heirloom Herb Seeds — The Ancient Chinese Immune Tonic, One of the 50 Fundamental Herbs

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) — also known as Huang Qi or Milk Vetch — has been one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, prized as a premier immune tonic and adaptogen. Modern research continues to validate what Chinese herbalists have known for generations: astragalus contains polysaccharides and saponins with documented immune-modulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the garden, it earns its place as a beautiful, hardy perennial in the pea family, producing small yellow pea-like flowers from early to late summer on plants that reach 4 feet tall.

A long-lived perennial that thrives in full sun to partial shade with minimal care once established.

Why Grow Astragalus?

• One of the 50 fundamental herbs in TCM — centuries of documented medicinal use
• Premier immune tonic and adaptogen — modern research validates traditional use
• Beautiful yellow pea-like flowers — early to late summer bloom
• Hardy perennial to 4 feet tall — long-lived with minimal care
• Full sun to partial shade — adaptable to a range of garden conditions
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Scarify seeds before planting — scratch the seed coat with a file or nick with a knife, then soak in hot water for 24–48 hours to improve germination. Direct sow outdoors after last frost, or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Plant 2–3 seeds per location, ¼ inch deep, in sandy, well-draining soil with some organic compost. Thin to one plant per location. Germination: 7–30 days. Mulch around plants to protect through the first winter. Full sun to partial shade.

Packet size: 0.01 g / 30+ seeds
Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Perennial
Plant height: 48 inches
Spacing: 12 inches (2 sq ft)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
USDA Zones: 4–9