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 20°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 cm 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

09 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Ginger/turmeric can take a while to sprout particularly in cooler weather which we have had a lot of in southern Australia this year. Last year I had almost given up on mine before it sprouted. It was s also susceptible to rot in cold damp soil. Carefully scrape some soil away and feel the rhizome to see if it is still firm or has rotted. The rhizomes need warm, moist, well drained soil as they are really a semi tropical/tropical plant. Maybe you could grow it in a large tub in a sunny spot. Trust this helps.
28 Nov 16, Dineo Modise (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
how to structure a ginger in a hydroponics
16 Nov 16, Naila (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, if ginger start sprouting with an inch or 2 inches shoot can it be grown?
10 Nov 16, Doug (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted some Ginger in July, just cut 3 nodes off the end off a piece of Supermarket Ginger.I thought it was dead and started to dig it up but noticed it had changed a dark red colour and was sprouting after a flush of rain, They are now 25cms high 10Nov16
06 Nov 16, donald pelvin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
best way to sprout ginger please
21 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Donald, when I plant ginger I plant it and just cover it with soil. Ensure there are buds on the rhyzome (root). keep it moist but not wet as it may rot. Now the weather is warming up it should sprout fairly quickly. Trust this helps. John
23 Oct 16, Emily (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Please may I know if I could grow ginger, the edible ones we get in the supermarket, in Auckland? Thanks
02 Feb 17, Karen (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I bought my ginger from a supermarket and seems to be growing well. I selected the small pieces with the bumps looking undamaged. These bumps will be the growing points. Make sure that the part of the ginger that was attached to a large piece is dry and crusted over before planting else it may just rot away. I think it was 8 pieces I planted and 6 have sprouted. Took a while to see results so patience is required. Best started, one piece per pot. I used plastic drinking cups with drainage holes. Don't over water. Keep soil damp but not wet.
16 Mar 18, Tracey (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Karen Thanks for your comments. I am going to have a go at growing ginger inside. I love your tip on letting the cut ginger dry out before planting. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks. Tracey
09 Oct 16, Janet (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought a piece from supermarket Aus grown do I just put it in the ground whole or do I need to cut it in half , upright on its side etc first time grower all tips appreciated
Showing 351 - 360 of 487 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.