With a little time and effort, you can learn how to grow ginger in your own backyard. In this article, we'll provide step-by-step instructions for cultivating your own ginger, including how long it takes to grow, what type of environment it prefers, and the best ways to plant and harvest it along with answers to all your frequently asked questions about growing ginger!
Start by gathering materials
The following are our best recommendations for each category:
1. Live 10 Rhizomes of Edible Ginger Roots Zingiber
2. FoxFarm FX14000 Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil
3. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
4. Bloem 20 Inch Ariana Planter
5. Purified water
6. 100% Natural Cedar Shavings (optional)
How To Grow Ginger Step by Step:
Step 1: Start by filling your Pot Planter with the Organic Potting Soil.
Step 2: Place the Rhizomes into the potting soil, making sure to spread them out evenly.
Step 3: Water the potting soil and rhizomes with the purified water.
Step 4: Apply the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food to the soil.
Step 5 (optional): If desired, mulch the soil with 100% Natural Cedar Shavings.
How Long Does it Take to Grow Ginger?
Ginger takes around three to four months to mature, depending on the variety you choose and the conditions of your growing environment. The best time to plant ginger is in the springtime, as it needs plenty of warmth and sunlight to thrive.
When planting ginger, it’s important to give it plenty of space to grow. Plant the ginger root pieces around six to eight inches apart and two to three inches deep in soil that has a pH between 5.5-6.5. Make sure the soil is moist and well-draining. Give the ginger plenty of water and make sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Once established, ginger will require less watering.
Does Ginger Need Full Sun or Shade? Ginger prefers partial to full sun and should be planted in a spot that receives at least 4 -6 hours of direct sun. If you are planting in the summer, provide a little shade to prevent the plants from becoming overly stressed. Ginger is also a great container plant, so make sure to place your pot in an area that gets plenty of sunlight!
When growing ginger indoors, ensure the plant receives at least 12 hours of artificial light (or indirect sunlight). If you're growing ginger in a greenhouse, make sure to provide good ventilation and keep the temperature somewhere in the neighborhood of 65-85°F for optimal growth.
What is the Best Way to Grow Ginger?
The best way to grow ginger is to plant pieces of ginger root in well-draining soil. Make sure to space the pieces about 6 to 8 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep.
Water the soil regularly and keep it moist. Make sure to provide your ginger with plenty of sunshine and warmth (as mentioned above it needs around 4 - 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). If you live in a warmer climate, you may also choose to grow ginger in a container. Ginger also does very well in a greenhouse, as long as you provide good ventilation and keep the temperature between the aforementioned 65-85°F.
Does Ginger Come Back Every Year?
Ginger is a perennial, meaning it will in fact come back every year! After the ginger has matured, it will keep producing new rhizomes for up to three years.
Do keep in mind that ginger doesn't tolerate cold temperatures, so if you happen to live in an area with cold winters, you may need to bring the plants indoors or provide them with some protection from the cold.
Can You Plant Ginger Root from the Grocery Store?
Yes...you can plant ginger root from the grocery store! Grocery store ginger root may have been treated with a chemical to prevent it from sprouting, so it’s definitely best to choose organic ginger if that option is available to you. Choose ginger roots that are plump, firm, and free from any signs of decay.
To plant the ginger, simply break off a piece of the root and plant it in well-draining soil. Easy as that!
Can You Leave Ginger in the Ground Over Winter?
In general, it’s not recommended to leave ginger in the ground over winter, as ginger does not tolerate cold temperatures. If you live in a colder climate, it’s best to bring the ginger indoors (or at the very minimum provide it with some protection from the cold).
If you do choose to leave ginger in the ground over winter, make sure to mulch heavily to provide extra insulation. Keep in mind that ginger will not survive a hard frost, so if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you will need to bring your ginger indoors or provide extra protection.
Can You Keep Ginger as a Houseplant?
Keeping ginger as a houseplant is a great way to add year-round greenery to your home! Ginger is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much attention, but still provides a beautiful and exotic touch to any space.
It also makes for a great conversation starter (it's not everyday you see ginger as a houseplant) and can be a fun way to add some color and texture to an otherwise dull room. Plus, ginger is easy to propagate, and can be divided into multiple plants, for an even fuller look!
Can You Grow Ginger in Pots?
Yes, you can grow ginger in pots. When growing ginger in pots, make sure to choose a pot that is at least 20-30 cm in diameter. Fill the pot with well-draining soil and plant the ginger root pieces around 6 to 8 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep.
Ginger is a great container plant and can be moved around easily, making it an ideal choice for patios, decks, and balconies.
How Much Ginger Do You Get from One Plant?
The amount of ginger you get from one plant will depend on the variety you choose and the conditions of your growing environment.
Generally, one ginger plant will produce around 3 to 4 pounds of ginger rhizomes.
Can You Harvest Ginger Without Killing the Plant?
Yes, you can harvest ginger without killing the plant! To do this, simply carefully dig around the ginger root and pull the rhizomes off the plant. Make sure to leave some of the roots in the ground (so the plant can continue to grow and produce more rhizomes).
You can also divide the plant up into multiple pieces and replant them elsewhere. This will allow you to continue to grow and produce more rhizomes!
How Do I Know When Ginger is Ready to Harvest?
Ginger is ready to harvest when:
- the leaves start to turn yellow.
- the rhizomes are plump.
The best time to harvest ginger is in the late summer or early fall, so after the plant has had plenty of time to grow and fully mature.
To harvest, carefully dig around the ginger root and pull the rhizomes off the plant. You will want to make sure to leave some of the roots in the ground so the plant can continue to grow and produce more rhizomes.
As always, we’d love to hear your growing experiences and recommendations in the comments below!
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