Effect of sowing time, seed rate and harvesting duration on growth of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

A field investigation was carried out during the 2009-10growing season at the Herbal garden, Rajendra nagar, Hyderabad. To study the influence of sowing date, seed rate and harvesting time on vegetative growth of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized block design comprising eighteen treatment combinations with three replications. Treatments included two sowing dates (August 15th and August 30th), three seed rates (10,12 and 14 kg/ha) and three harvesting stages (150,180 and 210 days after sowing. Early sowing significantly enhanced plant height and leaf area compared to late sowing. A seed rate of 14 kg/ha resulted in greater plant height and branching, while the largest leaf area was observed at 10 kg/ha. Although interaction effects were, the combination of early sowing with a higher seed rate and harvesting at 180 days produced superior growth.