Growing Ginger Root

Do you know that ginger root is a rhizome?

You can use ginger root as a spice in cooking and is also easy to grow at home.

Though often referred to as a ginger root, ginger actually comes from a rhizome, i.e. underground stem of Zingiber officinale.

It is a tropical flowering plant from the same family as cardamom and turmeric.

Moreover, a sharp bite of raw fresh ginger comes from gingerol.

It is an aromatic compound that transforms into the sweeter zingerone when you heat or dry it, thus, making ginger an especially versatile ingredient.

Ginger root is a popular ingredient in many different cuisines, especially in various kinds of Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine.

For the fuller flavor, you can use fresh ginger and you can also mince it, dice it, or shred it.

Furthermore, you can also cook with powdered or dried ginger.

Keep on reading.

Ginger Root

Ginger root, Zingiber officinale, is also popular as common ginger.

It is a herbaceous perennial that is native to Asia, where you can also grow it commercially.

The edible part of this plant is the fat, knobbly, underground rhizome.

And it is also one of the most popular spices that are used around the world.

Though the shoots can also produce fower, they are not considered ornamentally significant, and container plants rarely bloom.

In case you live in a hot region of North America, you may be able to grow ginger roots outdoors.

Or you can grow ginger roots in a container and move them indoors when the temperature is cool.

It is important to note that it is not all that fast growing and it takes about 8 to 10 months from planting in the early spring to when the rhizome is ready to harvest.

Quick Facts about Ginger Root

Some quick facts about ginger root are:

Ginger Root Care

In order to grow ginger roots outdoors, you will need hot, humid conditions and nutrient-rich soil.

It is important to note that crop rotation can also help to increase the chances of a bountiful and healthy harvest.

Thus, make sure to aim to grow it once every few years to prevent problems with diseases and pests.

However, if you are unable to guarantee tropical-type outdoor temperature, it would be best to grow this plant in a container, and you can transfer them indoors when the cold temperature hits.

Light and Soil Requirements

Ginger roots will do best in full sun or partial shade.

In southern regions that tend to experience intense heat, filtered sunlight is best for your plant.

Moreover, ginger root tends to thrive in a fertile, well-drained, moisture-retaining loamy soil.

Though the plant can also grow in slightly acidic conditions, it prefers a neutral or alkaline pH.

Water, Temperature, and other requirements

It is important to note that when growing ginger root, you will not need waterlogged oil.

Though you should water the plant deeply and regularly during the growing season, often at least an inch a week, is enough for the plant.

However, be careful not to overdo it.

Soggy conditions can also result in root rot.

Make sure to avoid watering your plant when the plant is dormant, in leafless season, especially when you can grow it in the container.

Moreover, begin watering the plant again when the shoots appear in the new season.

In case you are concerned about the plant drying out during the growing season, you can apply mulch,

This tends to help with moisture retention and providing additional nutrients as well as controlling weeds.

The optimal temperature for growing your ginger root outdoors is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, anything between 66 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit should result in a healthy crop if you keep the plant protected from strong winds.

In case the temperature drops below 66 degrees, the plant can fall into dormancy and when the temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure to bring the plant indoors.

Unless you plant this rhizome in exceptionally fertile soil, you will need to apply a decent amount of volume of fertilizer for an optimal harvest, as these plants are heavy feeders.

Make sure to apply a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer that is high in phosphorus once in spring and summer along with a monthly application of a liquid fertilizer should produce good results.

It is important to note that some gardeners also apply a summer application of compost.

In case you experience heavy rainfall, feeding every few weeks may be necessary to top up nutrients that leach from the soil.

Pruning and Propagation Tips

It is important to note that common ginger does not need much in the way of pruning.

Cutting back the spent stems in the autumn once they die back can help to encourage healthy new growth the following year.

Moreover, you can grow ginger roots that are found in supermarkets in the spring.

It is best to select those marketed as organic as some commercial rhizomes are treated with an application of growth inhibitors.

Make sure to look for pieces that have green buds growing as these have the best chance of propagation successfully.

You can plant the rhizomes whole or divided.

Calluses should form over any cut pieces before planting.

Some gardeners also like to soak the rhizome for 12 hours in warm water in advance of planting to try to remove any growth inhibitors.

When planting, make sure to position the rhizomes around an inch into warm, fertile soil, and lightly and regularly water for the first few weeks until the shoots begin to appear above the ground.

From this point, keep the soil evenly moist.

Furthermore, it is important to note that commercial ginger plants are often sterile, so growing from seed is often not possible.

Common Problems with Ginger Root

Ginger root is not known for having any major problems with diseases or pests.

However, bacterial wilt, which is a common problem for tomato and cucumber plants, is something you should be aware of.

Curling or Yellowing Leaves: Bacterial wilt is a common problem with commercial ginger root production and in some cases is also seen in home growing.

Make sure to watch out for yellowing leaves on the shoots, often occurring on the margins at first, that begin to curl.

Unfortunately, you will need to pull and destroy infected plants as there is no cure for this disease.

Keeping your ginger root plants healthy can prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.