Ashwagandha (winter cherry) Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha (winter cherry) (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Solanaceae family, native to Mediterranean and North Africa through the Middle East to India, and across Africa. It grows 30 cm–1.5 m (12 in–4.9 ft) tall and 40–90 cm (16–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Ashwagandha (winter cherry) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Ashwagandha (winter cherry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 30 cm–1.5 m (12 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 7–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–17 weeks after planting, for 13–26 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean and North Africa through the Middle East to India, and across Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Ashwagandha (winter cherry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, berries
A nightshade: leaves and berries are not food. The root as a supplement has been linked to rare liver injury and is unsuitable in pregnancy. No reliable data for pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ashwagandha (winter cherry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Ashwagandha (winter cherry)
- How far apart should I plant Ashwagandha (winter cherry)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–90 cm (16–35 in).
- Does Ashwagandha (winter cherry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ashwagandha (winter cherry) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ashwagandha (winter cherry)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Ashwagandha (winter cherry) flower?
- About 11–17 weeks after planting, for 13–26 weeks.
- Is Ashwagandha (winter cherry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. A nightshade: leaves and berries are not food. The root as a supplement has been linked to rare liver injury and is unsuitable in pregnancy. No reliable data for pets.
- What grows well with Ashwagandha (winter cherry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ashwagandha (winter cherry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
- India Biodiversity Portal (species pages), India Biodiversity Portal
Notes and assumptions
- A downy grey-green subshrub; tiny greenish flowers and orange-red berries inside papery husks, like a small cape gooseberry. Roots are harvested after 150–180 days in India (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan) for Ayurvedic use. Tender: grow as an annual where it frosts.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica