On its triumphal march as a superlative medicinal and spice plant, ginger has taken the hearts of gardeners who are keen to experiment by storm. Fresh, home-grown tubers inspire with their unsurpassed aroma, invigorating spiciness and beneficial healing powers. Reason enough to start planting ginger roots yourself. These instructions explain when, where and how to properly plant the magical plant with the bizarre rhizome indoors and outdoors.

Ginger can also be grown in a pot or - like here - in a hoop

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Planting instructions in the garden
  3. care in the garden
  4. Which location?
  5. when to plant
  6. Which earth?
  7. Grow in the pot yourself
  8. Care in the pot
  9. How & when to harvest?
  10. hibernate
  11. propagation
  12. Ginger Properties
  13. Plant your own ginger species
  14. frequently asked Questions
  15. the essentials in brief

    • Ginger can be grown indoors in late winter and planted outdoors from mid/late May
    • Ginger makes few demands on its location: it likes sunny to semi-shady and temperatures from 20°C
    • Before planting the tubers, the soil should be enriched with compost
    • Ginger can also be grown in pots

    Growing ginger in the garden - planting instructions

    Pre-grown or purchased young plants are ideal as planting material for growing ginger in the garden, greenhouse or raised bed. Alternatively, use a fresh ginger root or root pieces with at least one swelling eye. How to plant with expertise:

    1. Weed the soil and loosen it thoroughly with a rake
    2. Dig shallow pits 20 to 30 cm apart
    3. Mix excavation with leaf compost and coconut hum or sand
    4. Place a rhizome or section horizontally in each hole with the buds facing up
    5. Cover the ginger with soil about 5 cm thick and press down

    In the last step, water the bed with a fine spray of soft rainwater or well-stale tap water. Are you struggling with voracious voles or tunnel-digging moles in the garden? Then we recommend planting each rhizome together with the vole basket.

    Ginger from your own garden is a special treat

    Caring for ginger in the garden - instructions

    If ginger thrives in the bed, the watering can is only used when heaven keeps its floodgates closed. On warm summer days and when it is dry in autumn, please check with your thumb whether there is a need for watering. Press a finger into the ground and feel no moisture, please pour water from the rain barrel. From June until harvest, fertilize with leaf compost or bark humus, which you rake in lightly every four to six weeks and pour in soft water.

    Ginger comes from tropical regions and is not frost-resistant. This does not detract from its reputation as a legendary medicinal and spice plant.

    Which location is suitable?

    The modest requirements of a ginger plant are fulfilled in a sunny to semi-shady location with temperatures from 20 degrees Celsius. Many locations can come up with these light and temperature conditions indoors or outdoors. The following table lists proven options for growing ginger:

    garden balcony/terrace House flat
    raised bed South, west or east balcony sunny windowsill
    Glasshouse sunny wall niche conservatory
    Vegetable patch on the ground in front of the railing glazed extension
    perennial bed in the flower box (€16.99) as a privacy screen
    Herb garden roof terrace
    youtube

    When is planting time?

    Hobby gardeners with their own bed, raised bed or greenhouse complete the cultivation of ginger in two stages. Thanks to cultivation on the windowsill in late winter, young plants start the season with a vital growth advantage. The best time of year for planting in beds is spring, when there is no longer any danger of severe frost from mid/late May.

    Which soil favors growth and yield?

    Ginger thrives in a sunny, warm location in any good garden soil that has proven itself as potting soil for vegetables, herbs or bulbs. A mix of mature, sieved compost and topsoil, characterized by vital soil life, is desirable. The soil should be fresh to moderately moist, without the risk of waterlogging. The addition of additives such as sand or coconut hum is advantageous for reliable permeability.

    Growing ginger plants in a pot - how does that work?

    Ginger can also be grown in pots

    Balcony and indoor gardeners plant and harvest ginger in tubs. This has the advantage that the start of the cultivation takes place in February. Thanks to this cultivation method, the tropical plant has a longer vegetation period in the Central European climate than outdoors. This is a sensible approach given the 250-day period between planting and harvesting. The following instructions explain step by step how to plant ginger at home. How to do it indoors and on the balcony:

    material requirements

    • 1 organic ginger (whole, fresh bulb with many, thick eyes)
    • Organic vegetable soil based on compost without peat
    • Pot or bucket with an opening in the bottom for water drainage
    • Shards of pottery or expanded clay (19.73€) for drainage
    • sharp, sanitized knife
    • Watering can with spray attachment or spray bottle
    • Soft, low-lime water

    The substrate quality plays a key role in high-yield ginger cultivation. The soil should be permeable and yet with good water storage so that the fleshy rhizomes do not rot. Conventional, mineral pre-fertilized potting soil with a high peat content does not meet the requirements. Organically fertilized vegetable substrate is recommended, to which you give the perfect consistency for ginger bulbs by adding coconut hum.

    Planting in a pot - step-by-step instructions

    1. Cut the root into 3-5 cm long pieces, each with an eye
    2. Allow cut surfaces to dry for some time
    3. Fill the pot with 3-4 cm high drainage
    4. Fill in the organic substrate up to 4 cm below the edge of the container
    5. Lay root pieces 5-6 cm apart with the eye up on the ground and press down lightly
    6. Thinly sieve over with substrate until the eyes can no longer be seen
    7. pour on with a fine shower

    In a light to semi-shady location without direct sunlight, the root pieces sprout happily at temperatures from 20 degrees Celsius. As illustrated in the figure below, upright, green shoots and vertical root strands sprout from the eyes. For this purpose, horizontal planting is of particular relevance. A transparent hood made of glass or cling film is conducive to sprouting and root growth. A warm, humid microclimate is formed that simulates the natural conditions of tropical cultivation areas. Once the growing leaves hit the cover, the hood has done its job and can be removed.

    Properly caring for ginger in the pot - instructions

    After planting in the pot, care is limited to regular watering. The need for nutrients is covered well into the summer thanks to sufficient stocks in the substrate. How to properly care for ginger as a container plant:

    • Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist
    • Spray once or twice a week with lime-free water
    • move to a sunny spot after 6 to 8 weeks (south-facing window, balcony or patio)
    • from June add liquid organic fertilizer to the irrigation water every 4 weeks according to the manufacturer's instructions
    • Prune dead leaves down to the ground in autumn

    Ginger copes better with short-term drought than waterlogged substrate. The current need for watering can be recognized by a noticeably dried soil. If the pot or bucket is in a saucer, pour out excess water after 10 minutes at the latest. Alternatively, fill the coaster with expanded clay balls on which you place the vessel. Accumulated water cannot rise back up into the root ball. Furthermore, the local humidity increases, according to the taste of your tropical ginger plant.

    digression

    Cultivation in the cold frame thanks to natural heating

    The window sills are crowded in spring because numerous flowers, perennials and vegetables are being brought forward. A cold frame provides a remedy when there is a lack of space in the house and apartment to grow ginger for planting outdoors and in tubs. The temperature required for budding and growth in the cold frame is generated by natural heating. To do this, dig a pit 50 cm deep and mix one third of the excavation with compost. Cover the bottom of the pit with vole wire, covered with a layer of straw 5-10 cm thick. This is followed by a 20 cm layer of fresh manure and the compost-soil mixture. The well-closed cold frame will warm up within 8 to 10 days so that you can plant ginger.

    Harvest ginger roots - how & when is it right?

    Ginger takes a good eight months to grow

    After an average of 250 days, a ginger root is ready for harvest. The beginning of the harvest season can be recognized by the drawn-in, yellow or dried-up leaves. The optimal procedure is copied from the professional cultivation areas in India and Africa. Ginger farmers only ever harvest part of the rhizome. A piece of the tuber is overwintered and, after a period of dormancy, assumes the function of planting material for the new season. How to properly harvest ginger in beds and pots:

    • in the bed, lift the tubers out of the ground with the digging fork
    • Tip the pot, tub or window box over and let the rhizomes roll on the lawn or soil
    • Grasp bulbs by leaves to shake off soil or potting medium
    • Use sharp pruning shears to cut the leaves 3 to 4 cm above the rhizome skin
    • Cut off juicy, promising rhizome pieces with a sharp knife

    Remaining tuber segments, not intended for consumption, overwinter dry, frost-free and airy in coir, sand or sawdust, similar to dahlias or flower bulbs.

    Overwinter ginger root - this is how it works

    Ginger is not hardy in Germany. If the temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius in autumn, the tropical plant stops growing. The process can be recognized by yellowing leaves and dried-up leaf tips, because the plant is relocating the remaining nutrients to its underground rhizome as an energy reserve for the next season. Drawn-in leaves are not only the signal for the beginning of the harvest season. If you are considering a perennial cultivation, you should grant the exotic perennial now. How to overwinter ginger correctly:

    • give in good time before the first frost
    • cut off dead leaves
    • keep cool at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius
    • water sips or not at all
    • do not fertilize

    Do not cut off the leaves until they are completely dead. Until then, the remaining nutrients have shifted from the foliage to the rhizome. The fresh shoots benefit from this energy depot next spring. As long as the ginger plant is still showing off its deep green reed leaves, we recommend winter quarters that are as bright as possible and occasional watering or spraying. Without the foliage, a ginger root does not care about the lighting conditions, so that a dark basement room is also an option for winter storage, as long as it does not get warmer than 10 to 12 degrees Celsius.

    How does the propagation succeed?

    Selective harvesting and overwintering behind glass are equivalent to the propagation of ginger. By leaving a segment of the rhizome in the fall and storing it frost-free, you set the stage for another crop next year. Alternatively, overwinter a whole, intact root of ginger as a mother plant in a cool, dark basement in a pot with coconut hum. In February, cut or break off pieces that bear at least one bud. Plant the rhizome parts as described in this guide.

    Propagating ginger is very easy

    What are the properties of ginger?

    True ginger (Zingiber officinale) belongs to the ginger family. The plant thrives as a perennial with reed-like, deep green leaves that reach an average height of 100 cm. Decorative, candle-shaped flowers with a pleasant scent rise up in late summer in a sunny, warm location.

    Of course, the above-ground parts of the plant play a secondary role in its global importance as a medicinal and aromatic plant. The floral top performer is the main shoot in the form of an underground, fleshy and richly branched rhizome. The juicy, yellowish tuber meat tastes burning hot to spicy and is rich in valuable ingredients with health-promoting properties. Already 2800 years ago the Chinese sang the praises of the healing effect and the unique aroma.

    The ginger plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions. The main growing areas are in India, China, Nigeria and Thailand. Even under the ideal conditions there, it takes eight months after planting until the rich roots are ready to be harvested. Only after traveling halfway around the world are ginger bulbs found on store shelves and have lost most of their positive properties. One more reason for hobby gardeners to take a closer look at home cultivation.

    Plant delicious ginger species yourself

    Before you start growing ginger, please choose the seedlings carefully. Real ginger (Zingiber officinale) is the progenitor of an amazing variety of varieties. Depending on the growing region, the tubers give you a surprisingly mild tickle on the palate, while other varieties are overpowering in terms of heat. The following table provides an insight into the wide selection:

    Surname botanical name Size/footprint height special properties priority use
    Ginger, real ginger Zingiber officinale 20 to 40 cm 50 to 150 cm burning sharp, medicines and spices
    Jamaica ginger Zingiber officinale 25 to 40 cm 100 to 150 cm aromatic lemony, mildly hot, less healing power kitchen spice, food
    Japanese ginger Zingiber Mioga 20 to 25 cm 80 to 100 cm spicy-hot, orange peel aroma, edible flower buds kitchen spice, food
    Nigerian Ginger Zingiber officinale 20 to 40 cm 80 to 120 cm hottest ginger Medicinal herbs for humans and animals (horses, dogs)
    Thai ginger Alpinia galanga 30 to 40 cm 180 to 200 cm sweetish-spicy, not a typical ginger aroma Spice paste, healing tea, herbal medicine
    Australian ginger Alpinia caerulea 40 to 50 cm 150 to 200 cm mildest ginger Herb, spice and medicinal plant

    Healing and flavoring power are not the only arguments for planting ginger yourself. The multifaceted family of ginger plants also includes magnificent species and varieties that are primarily used as ornamental and aromatic plants. A prime example is red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) with spectacular red inflorescences and a height of 1 meter. Tibetan ginger (Hedychium densiflorum) does not have any aromatic or healing powers, but in return it delights with furious, 20 cm long orange-red flowers in late summer.

    tips

    Flagship among the best types of ginger to grow at home is Jamaican ginger. When buying for cultivation and planting, please ensure that the tubers are as fresh as possible and have a smooth, silvery, shimmering skin. The linchpin for sprouting and rooting are thick, clearly visible, green eyes, which signal the will of a ginger root to live.

    frequently asked Questions

    What healing effects can I expect from ginger?

    Each ginger root is packed with valuable, bioactive substances. Doctors attest that ginger has excellent healing powers, primarily against nausea, stomach and intestinal complaints. Furthermore, the plant relieves colds of all kinds as well as arthrosis, muscle and rheumatism pains. The great tuber is also said to stimulate the production of serotonin, which puts you in a good mood and even drives away depression. Last but not least, ginger stimulates blood circulation and metabolism, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and thrombosis.

    Do the flowers of ginger smell?

    Straight from the rhizome, a ginger plant shoots out stiff, upright stalks with candle-like inflorescences. The pure species shines with numerous reddish-purple-yellow flowers whose stamens exude a pleasant, sweet fragrance.

    Can ginger overwinter outside?

    The distribution areas of ginger extend over tropical and subtropical regions. The wondrous tuber is therefore not prepared for frost. On the contrary, the parts of the plant above ground shiver at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Ginger is not equipped for wintering outdoors.

    Are blue ginger bulbs edible?

    At first glance, blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora) looks confusingly similar to real ginger.The magnificent, cylindrical inflorescences open in late summer with numerous blue to violet individual flowers. The starting point for the strong stems are thick, bulbous roots, which are neither true rhizomes nor edible. In fact, blue ginger is one of the dayflower plants and is not related to real ginger.

    At the end of September I was given a large Japanese ginger in a pot. Unfortunately, the plant is dying with yellow, dry leaves. Can the ginger still be saved?

    All ginger plants move in in late autumn. In concrete terms, this means that the above-ground parts of the plant die off. Only the thick rhizome in the ground overwinters. Cut off dead leaves and keep the Japanese ginger in a cool place at around 10 degrees Celsius until February/March. Water sparingly and do not apply fertilizer. From April, change the location to a sunny window seat and resume the normal care program.

    tips

    Exotic properties and highly effective ingredients make ginger a loner in the bed. Due to the expansive growth of the rhizomes and offshoots, the exotic super plant is not suitable for mixed cultivation. Similar to lovage, wormwood, turmeric or hyssop, ginger is unpopular as a plant neighbor in the garden and greenhouse.

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