Withania somnifera need full sun to partial shade with a well-drained
slightly alkaline soil mix. Plants do best when the soil pH is 7.5-8.0.
The plants are allowed to dry thoroughly in between watering. Plants are
fertilized once during the year with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½
the strength recommended on the label.
It is propagated by division, cuttings or seed. The fresh root of one
year old plants are harvested from January to March. It is either dried
whole or cut in short transverse pieces and dried directly in the sun.
Seed is the best way to propagate them. Seed sown on moist sand will
germinate in 14-21 days.
The roots, Bitter leaves and the seeds of the fruits are used in varied purposes.