![Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica), packet of 5 SEEDS ORGANIC [AUS/NZ no]](https://i0.wp.com/strictlymedicinalseeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Ephedra_sinica_350_Berries.jpg?fit=350%2C321&ssl=1 "Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica), packet of 5 SEEDS ORGANIC [AUS/NZ no] 2")
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![Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica), packet of 30 seeds [AUS/NZ NO]](https://i1.wp.com/strictlymedicinalseeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/MA-huang_2016_300.jpg?fit=300%2C298&ssl=1 "Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica), packet of 30 seeds [AUS/NZ NO] 2")
Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica), packet of 20 seeds, Organic [not available to AUS/NZ]
$6.95
Family: Ephedraceae
Hardy to Zones 3 to 9
Perennial, primitive shrub. Native to the steppes of north and northwestern China. Rare offering of the main official species. Does well in pots. Dried stem is a natural adrenergic stimulant to the central nervous system and a bronchodilator for treating colds and asthma. The whole herb, dried and used in small doses, poses no threat to the health. However, the very young, the very old, and the pregnant mother would best avoid using this stimulating herb. Ma-huang prefers full sun and dry, sandy soils. Seed planting and germination: The seed is easy to germinate in a warm, sandy medium. Strew the seed on surface of very sandy potting soil (50% sand) and cover 1/4 inch deep with more of the same potting soil. Tamp securely and keep evenly moist until germination, which in the greenhouse or under propagation lights should take about 11 days. If you are trying to do this outside in the garden it might take longer, as cold nights will prolong germination times. Also, planting directly in the garden is chancy and not really recommended. Basically you want to provide as much control as possible (ie plant in flats) because the seedlings are small and you need to work them up to about 4 inches before they can survive the rigors of transplant and growing outdoors. After germination, back off on the watering because the young seedlings can easily damp off–this is a desert plant. We grow the plants in a sand mulch, about 4 inches thick, in the full sun, with moderate watering. They create, in 2 or 3 years, a stubby, woody trunk bristling with the jointed stems. The flower is inconspicuous, but the fruits are quite fascinating–fleshy scales adhered together at the end of the branch, colored orange, gooey and mucilaginous, and very sweet to the taste, containing the paired seeds with their flattened sides lightly clasped together. Space plants 2 feet apart.
20 seeds/pkt., certified organically grown
Out of stock
Question
jasperdshide (verified owner) –
I’ve found these seedlings very finicky, and it seems like half of my casualties are fatally under-watered and the other half lost to root rot. Do you have any advice (beyond what’s written in the description) for shepherding them through this difficult period? I’ve been germinating them in 1.5″ x 2″ starter cells and wonder if deeper pots might be better for development of the taproot.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jasper, My thought is that there’s too much moisture variation going on within the cell. I would stop using cells and go for a 6 inch deep flat of coarse, sharp sand. Check my youtube channel for a new video (not yet up) called “Creating Environment” or some such thing. This shows the deep flat of ma-huang with the sand and the healthy seedlings. Understand that the roots of ma-huang are thin and spindly–if you plant the seed 1 inch deep then this gives them a better root and keeps the seedling from flopping over. Try it with our Ephedra equisetina–new crop in stock. Richo
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Question
DON TRUJILLO –
Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica), packet of 20 seeds, Organic [AUS/NZ no] not finding what zone these grow in
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Richo Cech –
Hardy to Zones 3 to 9
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DON TRUJILLO –
please notify me the minute you get seeds or plants I believe there’s plants here also I am in a good zone for these plants
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Richo Cech –
OK, I hope you hit “waitlist”
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Luke –
Hi Richo, hope all is well. When will these seeds potentially be available?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Luke, We won’t have more organic ma-huang until next year’s harvest (August 2021). I encourage you to avail yourself of the organic Ephedra equisetina that is still available. This is medicinally comparable to Ephedra sinica and is easier to grow with better yields. Richo
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nrc3neal –
This current batch, 4 of 5 seeds germinated in 8 days, and are now starting to grow a 3rd a 4th leaf by 3 weeks time. Of the ones that do eventually germinate, like 70% germ in 8-10 days, and the rest trickle in for weeks. I think Richo’s description might say something to that effect? I’ve done the wrong thing, situating them on the wet side of the greenhouse. While Ive not had mass dampoff, the Ephedras stunt and turn yellow for me when irrigated. I dessicate the hell outta those and they bounce back. In the wet tropics (windward Hawaii) I plant them in cinders with a bit of compost, but I need to keep them covered during 4″-per-hour rains! Ive rarely gotten fruits since I tend to eat my plants down faster than they grow! Ive been growing Strictly’s Ephedra seeds (various taxa) for myself and for clients, for at least a decade and I find them to be reliable (contrasted with other vendors’ E. seeds which are normally duds, perhaps not fresh). Fascinating gymnosperm “succulent” shrubs from an intersting time in plant evolution.
Somebody stop me…
Photo has been removed
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Adbt –
what is your exact method of growing, going to be growing a lot soon. just doing some research.
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Admin Richo Cech –
Seed planting and germination for Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica): The seed is easy to germinate in a warm, sandy medium. Strew the seed on surface of very sandy potting soil (50% sand) and barely cover with more of the same potting soil. Tamp securely and keep evenly moist until germination, which in the greenhouse or under propagation lights should take about 11 days. If you are trying to do this outside in the garden it might take longer, as cold nights will prolong germination times. Also, planting directly in the garden is chancy and not really recommended. Basically you want to provide as much control as possible (ie plant in flats) because the seedlings are small and you need to work them up to about 4 inches before they can survive the rigors of transplant and growing outdoors. After germination, back off on the watering because the young seedlings can easily damp off–this is a desert plant. We grow the plants in a sand mulch, about 4 inches thick, in the full sun, with moderate watering. They create, in 2 or 3 years, a stubby, woody trunk bristling with the jointed stems. The flower is inconspicuous, but the fruits are quite fascinating–fleshy scales adhered together at the end of the branch, colored orange, gooey and mucilaginous, and very sweet to the taste, containing the paired seeds with their flattened sides lightly clasped together. Space plants 2 feet apart.
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sam –
I need some ma huang for my asthma, How can I order some seeds, or a live plant? Thanx…
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Richo Cech –
As long as you’re in the USA then you click on the “buy” option for seeds (immediate delivery) or plants (spring delivery). r
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DZ –
When you say back off watering, I water sprouts (~2″) about twice a week but they are starting to turn yellow and sag. Am I over watering or under watering them at this point? Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
over-watering. is there lots of course, sharp sand in the substrate?
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Question
Tharin –
I would like to try growing this plant from seed in Eastern Kansas. Would this be suitable to grow in a container?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Yes, MA-huang does great in containers. Give fast-draining soil and a 1-inch mulch of pure white pumice around the crown.
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Tharin –
That’s good news! I’m starting an appartment balcony herb garden this year. Do you know if any more seeds will be available this spring? I’m excited to give them a try.
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Tharin,
OK, not sure how good your luck will be with seeds, I find they work best in sand under lights. I did check stock and was able to add 5 packets, so you can order if yuou hurry. You can also get plants, which I do recommend, at this link https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/ma-huang-ephedra-sinica-potted-plant-organic/–as of 5/1/19 there were still about 20 left in stock.
Richo
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Roq –
Hey RIcho,
Do you know if seeds for Ephedra-sinica and Goto Kula will be come available sometime soon? It is mid-February 2020 now. Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Roq,
Thanks for alerting me that the inventory on ma-huang had run down. We do have it, I enabled it. Gotu kola still waiting on seed maturation on mother plants. It’ll be awhile. Please click “waitlist”
Richo
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Jeremy Long –
So do you not ship to Australia? email me if you want my dude! [email protected] Cheers
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Richo Cech –
double-whammy. Australia is not accepting post right now due to COVID, and Australia considers ma-huang to be a disallowed species. r
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Question
Janice Storss –
I need some ma huang for my asthma, How can I order some seeds, or a live plant? Thanx…
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Janice, The plants are about 6 inches tall with several stems. They wouldn’t go very far for tea use and are slow growing. I will put you on the list and e-mail you soon. r
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janicestorss –
Even A little would be ok. Thanks….
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi There, I’m interpreting this as a request for a ma-huang packet. I checked inventory–I have 2–I enabled them–you may order–please hurry or someone else will get the seeds. r
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gray –
Is there a way to get these to me in Australia? Little by little our government is banning and removing medicinal plants and forces us to use big pharma non working junk medicine
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Richo Cech –
Hi, I can relate. . . However, we cannot get ma-huang to AUS, it is illegal there. r
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Question
Serina –
Will these seeds be available in the spring? Your collection had captivated me, and I feel so grateful to learn more.
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Admin Richo Cech –
hi serina, thanks for staying in touch. we do have plans to offer ma-huang seed again in the spring. please check back frequently and also make sure you’re signed up for the new 2019 paper catalog, which we are currently formulating and will issue in the new year. richo
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Nicole Prowse –
I had previously asked about the availability of your plants…I would definitely be interested in some of the seeds assuming they would be available sooner & more affordable for me as a single parent. Thank you!
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Admin Richo Cech –
OK, good, we’ll stay in touch.
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Alice Hodge –
Hi Richo, any updates on your Ma-huang seeds!! Please, please!!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Alice,
OK, I had a small stash of these, I’ve enabled 10 packets, you should be able to purchase. Richo
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Question
Phoenix –
Can the seeds be sent to NZ?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Sorry, no, these are disallowed in AUS and NZ.
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