Ziggy Pyka has successfully grown the tricky plant for 23 years at 41 South salmon farm near Deloraine, finding ideal growing conditions and techniques through research, trial and error, and investment.

Related: Traditional Chinese medicine market in Tasmania's sights

With ginseng taking six years to reach maturity, it's a slow and arduous process. But Mr Pyka believes he has the secrets for success, particularly as the Tasmanian Government eyes potential overseas markets for a new local industry.

"Climate-wise, we really are the best place to grow ginseng because we have no climate extremes. We have no -25, no 40 degrees, and ginseng needs the temperate four seasons," he said.

"You can grow field-grown ginseng, wild-simulated ginseng, or grow it wild. I've tried it all, and the research I've conducted shows that when you do it the wild way, the value is much higher."

For wild-simulated ginseng, diciduous companion trees are required to provide shade. Field-grown ginseng has been tried in the past by investment schemes using shade cloths, with varying success.

Given the difficulties in growing ginseng, Mr Pyka is one of just a few growers left in Tasmania.

His demonstration ginseng crops are a source of amazement for visiting tourists.

"The tourists are curious because when I show them what I've grown, they say it's impossible," Mr Pyka said.

"Koreans especially - and they are the world-leaders at growing ginseng - are astounded at what we've done here."

It hasn't always been smooth sailing, however. An easterly storm in 2011 destroyed shade sails and ravaged his ginseng, but it was an experience that Mr Pyka has learned from.

After the storm, ginseng became a value-added product for the main salmon business. He still sells pallets of ginseng leatherwood honey to China.

Mr Pyka will provide his expertise to a Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture trial into growing crops for traditional Chinese medicine in Tasmanian conditions.