Growing Ginger

Zingiber Officinale : Zingiberaceae / the ginger family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Plant pieces of fresh root showing signs of shoots. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. Reduce water as plant dies back to encourage rhizome growth.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Grow in separate bed

Your comments and tips

06 Jan 19, Mike Logan (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Did you read this at the top of the page. Under ( ? )
04 Dec 18, Tessa (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
For those asking, subscribe to the livingseeds.co.za newsletter. They sell ginger, turmeric and galangal(starting feb '19) and the newsletter will inform you when they're in stock again. Livingseeds has always been high-quality and very informative.
03 Dec 18, George (Australia - tropical climate)
I cut the ginger seed rhizome into small pieces about 20-25 g, and planted into the soil in late October. They emerged in late November. The shoots looked weak, and leaves curved. They had experienced very hot weather during the period when they started to emerge. I'd like to know how to manage the heat and irrigate them during the extremely hot weather? I look forward to your advice. With thanks!
04 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sorry I replied about garlic. Read the notes here about growing ginger. Plenty of water but have good draining soil. If you like make a shade cloth cover.
03 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Did you read the notes here? Read the first sentence.
02 Dec 18, Terry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have tried to grow ginger with very limited success for the past 3 years. Lack of water and TLC were the main reasons for those results. We were given 2 pieces of edible ginger in summer 2017 which I planted in pots .During July of this year 2018 I divided the ginger root into 13 pieces and planted in small pots with potting mix . All 13 pieces have now sprouted some over 30 cm high.I intend to plant all 13 plants into an area of ground which I have prepared with compost and straw from our chook pen .I hope this year wil be successful. Regards Terry
02 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up the internet on how to grow it - you might find some tips.
22 Nov 18, Rudolph Snyman (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I planted ginger in spring and watered them maybe once a week sometimes every second week in well drained soil with compost and bonemeal and some guano pellets. All my rhizomes rot. I planted a second time and its a month later and still no sign of my ginger growing. Can somebody please tell me why? I bought my rhizomes from the local vegetable market
12 Feb 19, Margs (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I planted ginger from PnPay and put it in the ground which is mulched from the trees above it. I forgot about it for months until I saw this weird dark green shoot next to the baby palm. I was transplanting the palm and found my ginger! Maybe just don't water it if there's deep mulch above it? Winter rainfall area.
20 Jan 19, Sandy Murray (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hello I have done the same. All the books say we should not get it from a local shop related but "natural " supplier if you find one please let me know! XXX
Showing 231 - 240 of 486 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Ginger

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.