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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15 Jan 20, Alan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, does ginger need full sun, semi - shade or full shade? Where does it do best? How many hours of sunshine will best help ginger growth.
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16 Jan 20, Anon (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you use google,
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05 Jan 20, Tebogo Mafafo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can one find ginger for planting
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14 Jan 20, Anna (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Tebogo I am growing ginger from a piece bought at my local Spar. I broke off a few pieces with growing tips on it and planted in well-composted potting soil. They have sprouted and so I eagerly await my harvest next year :-)
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06 Jan 20, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look up seed selling websites on the net.
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26 Dec 19, Tolani (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I grow ginger in Botswana in a place surrounding Gaborone? What are likely prospects?
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30 Dec 19, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look through the climate zones of Sth Africa and pick a similar one to yours. Then go to ginger and set the climate zone to yours. It will tell you if it will grow there and when to plant.
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20 Nov 19, Litlhare Sarki (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can fresh ginger from either nigeria,china or india grow in south africa
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21 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Plant some and see if it grows.
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14 Nov 19, Rachael (Australia - temperate climate)
Wash well & freeze-u can scrape the skin off with a teaspoon when frozen, or if the skin isn’t an issue, just grate with a box grater or similar
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Showing 171 - 180 of 489 comments
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Ginger will grow well where you live in Sydney. I grew it for years in the well draining garden beds in the ground, whilst living both at Badgerys Creek and Kurrajong areas. I now successfully grow it in pots in Canberra. Check out you tube for tips on the right shade, moisture and harvest tips. . I recommend watching 2 videos: one from Mark from north Qld ‘self sufficient me,’ & other one: ginger in a cold climate from Curtis Stone, for some skills. Ginger from the supermarket is not likely to grow if it’s not australian, because it is fumigated for import. Best success will be Organic Australian to get you started Be patient with ginger and do not over water it in winter. I didn’t use sand to mix in Sydney because it held too much moisture, so look into that. Vermiculite and perlite are good options, depending on whether in pots or in beds. All references are mentioned in good faith and without sponsorship. Hopefully you’ll find the information more helpful than my few words. Good luck :)

- Kel

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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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