How to grow ginger

Ginger is a versatile and delicious spice that can be used in everything from muffins to stir-fries. Growing ginger is not difficult, but it does require some attention to detail. If you know how to grow ginger correctly, then you'll have fresh rhizomes for use throughout the year!

Know your climate

Ginger is a tropical plant. It does not do well in cool climates. If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, you should grow ginger indoors or purchase it from a store that has grown it indoors. The ideal temperature for growing ginger outdoors is between 65 and 70 degrees F (18-21 C).

If your climate is temperate, meaning your winters are mild and you do not get much snow, then you may be able to grow ginger outside depending on how long the summer season lasts where you live. Ginger plants can survive temperatures down to about 20 F (-7 C) if given some protection from strong winds and drying out too much during daytime hours when the sun hits them directly.

Pick a suitable variety

Ginger is a perennial plant that can be grown in zones 9 to 11. If you live in a colder climate, it's possible to grow ginger indoors, but this isn't ideal because the plants don't thrive under artificial light and they require regular watering. Ginger is also susceptible to pests and diseases if not kept in a container that has good drainage and air circulation. For the best results, select an appropriate variety for your climate and your personal preferences.

Space plants properly

The method you use to space your plants will depend on the type of container you are growing in.

Row planting is a good option for container gardens because it allows you to use your vertical space more efficiently and gives the plants room to grow. However, with row planting, it is difficult to plant large quantities of ginger at one time.

Bed planting gives you plenty of space for large batches of ginger plants but doesn't allow for as much vertical growth as row planting does.

If you want your ginger plants close together in pots or containers, consider using a grid system so that they aren't overcrowded and can still get enough nutrients from the soil. You may need to thin some out later on if they get too crowded (see below).

Growing Ginger from Rhizomes

If you have a large, healthy ginger rhizome, plant it whole with the eye bud pointing up and the other end down. If your rhizome is large and space is limited, cut it into sections using a sharp knife and plant those sections with an eye pointing upwards in each one.

If you're planting ginger in containers or potted gardens, dig holes about 1 foot deep and space them roughly 1 foot apart from each other (or more if planting multiple varieties). You can also grow your ginger by burying its roots under ground; just make sure to keep track of where they are so you don't accidentally step on them!

If you're growing in garden beds instead of pots or containers, dig holes that are 2 feet apart from each other (or more if planting multiple varieties) and cover them with loose soil after planting has been completed

Ensure correct soil drainage

Ginger is a tropical plant which thrives in warm and humid climates. It does not like wet feet, so ensure your soil drains well enough to prevent water-logging of the root zone.

Temperature control

Temperature control is essential for good growth and yield. Temperatures above 30 degrees will result in poor root production, while temperatures below 10 degrees will result in the failure of new leaf growth. A grower can achieve temperature control by using shade cloths or planting ginger near a taller crop that provides shade during the day.

Water appropriately

Watering appropriately is one of the most important things you can do to produce a healthy crop of ginger. Ginger likes to be kept moist but not waterlogged, so make sure you give it regular waterings—but don't overdo it! Water in the morning so that the soil has time to dry out during the day. If you're growing your ginger in a container (and we recommend you do), make sure that its roots have ample room to grow without being cramped by surrounding pots or soil.

Harvest at the correct time

To harvest ginger, cut the plant at its base. Harvesting too early will produce thin and soft roots while harvesting too late will result in tough, woody roots. Once your plants reach 8-10 inches long, you're ready to harvest. If there is a flower bud on top of a stem (called an inflorescence), cut that off before you start harvesting so that it doesn't get damaged in the process.