Whole ginger root and crushed red peppers in antique bowls with small stack of sliced ginger root

How To Grow Ginger Plants

Updated on Dec 20, 2023
By Baillie Blankenship

This universally popular tropical plant produces beautiful, aromatic foliage, fascinating flowers, and plump, spicy rhizomes. Ginger is a tender herbaceous plant that will perennialize in zones 7 and above. Ginger root has long been used throughout the world as a spice, in tea, and in folk medicine.

 

HISTORY

Ginger’s origins are rooted in Southeast Asia. Ginger was one of the first spices to be shared with the world through the maritime spice trade. Ginger is believed to have been used as a tonic in traditional Eastern medicine for over 5,000 years. Its popularity continues to grow. 

USES

  • Culinary
  • Tea, Juice
  • Traditional Medicine

 

 

Bright orange carrots to the left and pieces of raw ginger to the right of a transparent cup of carrot-ginger salad dressingBright orange carrots to the left and pieces of raw ginger to the right of a transparent cup of carrot-ginger salad dressing

 

  • Ginger needs 8-10 months to grow and mature.
  • Begin waking up rhizomes indoors in March.
  • Place rhizomes in soil with the growth tips pointed up and the lower half of the rhizome below the soil.
  • Keep warm on a heat mat and water just enough to maintain moist soil. (Do not over water or the root may rot)
  • Rhizomes may take 4-6 weeks to wake up and begin growing.

Alternatively, you can use live plant starts

Ginger roots, ground dried red peppers, and sliced ginger in antique bowls on a dark surfaceGinger roots, ground dried red peppers, and sliced ginger in antique bowls on a dark surface

 

  • Planting in loose, well-draining soil will maximize your yield.
  • When the weather begins to warm, plant in well-cultivated beds or in pots. If you have a short growing season, you will want to use pots so plants can be brought indoors when the weather cools.
  • Choose a location in full sun with afternoon shade.
  • Space plants at least 1 foot apart or plant 1 plant per pot.
  • Keep well-watered, but never waterlogged.
  • To ensure robust growth and rhizome formation provide a balanced fertilizer
  • Harvest in mid-fall when foliage begins to brown.
  • Clean, dry, and cure.
Greenhouse interior with raised beds full of ginger and turmeric of various sizesGreenhouse interior with raised beds full of ginger and turmeric of various sizes

 

  • Gently dig up the plants and wash off the soil.
  • Trim off roots and trim foliage to about 2” tall.
  • In a well-ventilated area, lay out in a single layer to dry on a screen or table.
  • After drying, use clean pruners to separate rhizomes into chunks with 3-4 growth tips each. Let the cuts dry and scab over.
  • Store in a single layer in a 60-70 F area with some humidity and good airflow to cure. Too dry can dehydrate ginger and too humid can cause ginger to rot.
Clear glass mug of ginger-apple soda in front of Thai galangal ginger root piecesClear glass mug of ginger-apple soda in front of Thai galangal ginger root pieces