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

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07 Jun 16, Linda Bruce (Australia - temperate climate)
What species of Ginger to eat the root, can I plant in Sub temperate Victoria Australia please?
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01 Jun 16, Malcolm (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Bernie i was keen to know if when freezing the garlic does it need to the skin peeled off before freezing? Cheers M
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26 May 16, bongie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
im in the eastern cape.... when is the best time to plant ginger
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25 May 16, Elize (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Im staying in Limpopo warmbath when is the best time to plant ginger here
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15 May 16, tony (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have planted my ginger months ago when do I havest it, it is still green but the bulbs are very big and healthy
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11 May 16, kevin caddies (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Cairns and grow ginger in pots in full sun and water every day. First harvest last year. Planted some at a friends garden in Sydney and it has just started to shoot.
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20 Apr 16, LIMPHO (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi and good day, I hereby asking if ginger can grow in Free State South Africa and in which season of the year? Thank You.
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07 Mar 16, Tamara (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Would like to enquire what is the best month to plant ginger in Cape Town, Western Cape. Thanks
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15 Feb 16, The Sunlander (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Brisbane and have grown gingers, both edible and non-edible types, for many years. They are very hardy plants and succeed very well when left alone. I see on various gardening web sites conflicting information re the cultivation - one site for instance says to plant in shade, never in full sun. My edible ginger grows happily in full sun!! I water mine because the soil dries out but a friend has his in pots and they grow just as well. So, give it a go. Buy good looking ginger in the supermarket, break the rhizome into several parts each with at least one bud on.
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09 Feb 16, Michelle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I discovered ginger growing in amongst my celery this summer. Thriving! Very surprised to see it actually as i don't planting it. I am in Melbourne.
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Showing 381 - 390 of 489 comments
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We live in the Spencer Gulf area of South Australia, we have been growing Jarvanese Ginger for 5 years in a large 50ltre pot, in an acid potting mix. The ginger family has a large range, the familiar variety that is at the store when grown has a narrow leaf, where the curcumin, types have a broader leaf. The variety we have grown is known as SPECIES- Curcuma-Zanthorrhiza, FAMILY-Zingiberates,GENUS-Curcuma: Known as "Temulawak"-Jarvanese ginger it has broad leaves and grows 2 to 3 mitre in a pot, has a beautiful lavender flower when it blooms, requires high humidity and well shaded. We have it underneath banana palms in a pond area, plenty of water in the growing period, in a well draining pot. It has been in bloom since beginning of december. Once you have it growing well do not disturb it for at least 4 years, once the ginger plant dies down just keep the pot slightly moist until the shoots come through again at the begining of summer it is usually the last ginger plant to come through. To harvest just move the mulch to show the root and gently remove a piece, do not dig it up they do not like being disturbed, they live just below the surface under the top of the soil, they really are a pampered pet for us, as we live in a dry arid area, we keep it for its beauty not for eating it is too delicate. I hope thus helps you in your quest.

- Brenda Groffen

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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.
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