How to grow Ginger

Zingiber officinale

As one generation of canes or stalks matures and dies, a successor generation will sprout ahead of it, so periodic, regular trimming will be necessary. The overall appearance is suggestive of corn or bamboo, but with more succulent stalks, and both the appearance and spreading tendency is reminiscent or a tall grass or reed-type plant.

Not frost hardy, can be grown in pots, or perhaps as an annual (if started indoors during late fall/early winter) in temperate climates.

Grow in well-draining, fertile soil. Do not overwater.

Growing Ginger from seed

Can be grown from seed, or from rhizomes. A “hand” of ginger, from a market, will suffice – select a piece of ginger that is large of midsized, and very well-branched. Leave it undisturbed (a shelf or corner works well), in a dry indoor spot – not in total darkness, but not in direct sun either – a room with indirect light works best. Within a few weeks, sprouts will form at the tips of each branch. A few days later, place the sprouting hand of ginger on, or slightly beneath very well-draining soil. Fine roots will grow downwards first; stalks or canes will begin rapid upward growth a week or two later.

Sow at a depth of approx. 1.95 inches (5.0 cm) and aim for a distance of at least 7.8 inches (20.0 cm) between Ginger plants.

Transplanting Ginger

In zone 9 I transplanted my ginger from a container into the ground and it comes back every spring around May. The rhizomes are available all year. I have transplanted several rhizomes to different areas of my back yard where they get dappled sun.

Ginger is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

Harvesting Ginger

It takes about five months before the herb will be ready for harvesting. This may seem like a long time to wait but bear in mind that perennials generally require little help to keep coming back once they get started!

To harvest ginger root, it is not necessary to unearth the entire plant. Simply pull up the tubers growing around the tuber that was planted originally and cut the quanity needed.

Ginger stalks die in cooler regions during the wintertime but will continue growing in warmer climates. The thicker tubers of the perennial plant can be harvested each fall. Store whole ginger roots fresh, dry and grind into powder, or freeze
Source: http://www.different-kinds-of-plants.com/growingginger.html

How long does Ginger take to grow?

These estimates for how long Ginger takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Ginger to germinate?
14 days

Average 14 days | Min 6 days | Max 46 days (6)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Ginger?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Ginger is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 289 days

Average 289 days | Min 289 days | Max 289 days (1)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Ginger?
= days

Other names for Ginger

Garden ginger, Culinary ginger

Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Footnotes


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