Spring seeding, seed size and seed pathology were investigated to determine their effects on ginseng crop establishment. Gibberellins, drying and pre-plant hydration were used to reduce the seed dormancy period, from 18-22 months to 8-9 months. Field trials gave poor emergence rates ($\sim$33%), partially due to inferior seed quality. GA$\sb{4+7}$ treatments produced the highest levels of field emergence and high seedling yields. Stratified seeds produced significantly larger embryo lengths and seedling yields from extra-large seeds compared with small seeds, however, both these seed sizes produced significantly lower yields than medium and large sized seeds. Examination of fungi recovered from flowers, fruit and seed revealed Alternaria spp., Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium roseum, Fusarium spp., Mucor and Rhizopus spp. Endo-$\beta$-mannanase, an enzyme involved in the mobilization of endosperm reserves, was detected in green and stratified seed. Further GA$\sb3$ assays revealed that GA may stimulate the synthesis and/or secretion of endo-$\beta$-mannanase in ginseng seed.