Growing Rhodiola: Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions, Answered

Membership FAQ

How much land do I need to start growing Rhodiola?
While there is no minimum, especially as you are learning, the amount of land favoured by committed growers is typically at least six acres, allowing an acre (approx. 20,000 plants or 0.6 – 2 dry tonnes) a year to be planted and allowing a year for a rotation crop. However, it is better to simply start growing Rhodiola rosea using whatever amount of land you have to learn the ropes, as everyone needs to start somewhere. Allow for 1 ft of spacing between plants.
What kind of support does ARRGO provide to new Rhodiola growers?
ARRGO provides field day tours that give new growers and aspiring growers a chance to see how an operational Rhodiola farm is run. ARRGO also provides new growers with a Growers Manual containing a summary of the research, tips and tricks we have developed over the years to allow a consistent supply of this notoriously difficult to cultivate plant. ARRGO provides a convenient point of sale, processing capabilities, seed, and mentorship.
What’s the difference between organic and conventional requirements?
Our organic growers need to have third party organic certifications and have to develop organic system plans that meet Canadian regulations and the standards of their certifying body. Our growers typically use PROCERT for this.
Do I need prior experience with herbs or farming?
Prior experience with herbs and farming are an asset, but more experienced ARRGO members will do their best to meet you where you are, and are always full of advice and suggestions to offer. Some of our most successful growers started with little to no previous experience. Rhodiola is just so different than any other plant being cultivated. In the first year of seeding and growth, you will find that previous greenhouse/cell planting experience is an asset. The transplanting step and weeding phase is similar to the experience you would have on a produce farm or market garden. The final harvest and bagging step is similar to potato farming.
Can I grow Rhodiola alongside other crops?
That depends on how your organic system plan and GACP quality management system is structured. It is important to avoid growing Rhodiola rosea with plants in the genus Rhodiola and the family Crassulaceae to avoid crossbreeding. You will want to avoid growing Rhodiola near commercial dandelions to avoid greatly reduced yields.
How long does Rhodiola take to mature before harvest?
It takes about 4-6 years to get each Rhodiola root to the final harvesting weight. It is prudent to use five (5) years for budgeting and business planning.
What kind of yields can I expect?
Yields vary between soil types and growing techniques. You should expect around 20,000 plants per acre with between 5-35 five year old plants per kilogram of dried, processed Rhodiola which is highly dependent on soil conditions, temperature, etc. The average is around 10 plants to the dry kilogram with a freshly harvested root weight of around 1 kg per plant.
What is ARRGO’s role in marketing or selling my crop?
ARRGO fully handles processing and selling your crop for you. Selling Rhodiola with ARRGO proceeds as follows:
1. Ensure your GACP and organic (if applicable) certifications are up to date.
2. Contact ARRGO and request testing, ensuring to complete the requested paperwork.
3. If your test results come back with a level of rosavin content above the minimum cutoff and at a level you are happy with, you can request a delivery authorization.
4. ARRGO will provide you with an authorization to harvest. Ensure you knock the dirt off your roots while harvesting to limit shrinkage, soil loss, and plant disposal costs. Do not wash the roots. Deposit them in the ARRGO-provided tote bags and drive them to the plant in Thorsby, ensuring your vehicle or trailer can handle the weight and forklift unloading.
5. You will be paid a portion of your harvest when you deliver (based on estimated dry weight and pre-delivery rosavin testing), with the final portion being paid off when your crop sells accounting for processing shrinkage (based on actual dry weight and time of sale rosavin testing).
When can I expect to sell my first harvest?
After approximately five (5) years of growth.
Can I grow from seed or do I need starter plants?
Most growers start out by collecting Rhodiola seed from current ARRGO growers. Some growers may charge for seed, whereas others will provide it free of charge. Do not purchase seed from external sources, as ARRGO will only accept harvests of crops grown from its own genetic lines in order to comply with GACP and CITES requirements. Many growers are willing to sell seedlings, which can be handy if you have limited nursery space or time. After maturing for 3-4 years, you will be able to harvest viable seed from your own plants if you choose to do so.
What makes Alberta ideal for growing Rhodiola?
Alberta’s cold winter temperatures, long hours of sunlight during the summer, habitat similarity (look for Rhodiola integrifolia on the north-facing side of high foothills in Kananaskis) and sandy to sandy-loam well draining soils.
How do I get started?
Contact us and we’ll put you in touch with our membership director. He’ll be able to provide you with sound advice and give you information on getting a Class A cooperative membership share and Class B delivery shares when you are ready. He will also provide mentorship opportunities and organize a field day tour.

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