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

03 Aug 16, Ken (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is "hidden ginger?". Is it also edible? I have grown ginger in containers for some years. Generally I have only had small rhizome develop. What should I do to increase their size? Thanks for all your help. Ken
19 Jul 16, Busi Zulu (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can ginger grow in durban
26 May 16, bongie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
im in the eastern cape.... when is the best time to plant ginger
25 May 16, Elize (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Im staying in Limpopo warmbath when is the best time to plant ginger here
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.
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
03 Jun 15, Dolf weyers (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy ginger seeds
07 Jul 15, hennie Mulder (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Ginger are grown from the root you can buy at any green grocer just check that it has at least one bud at the tip if more than one bud is present them the root can be separated
11 May 15, Karen van der Walt (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am also in Gauteng. Will it grow outside seeing that we get frost in the winter?
07 May 15, annette gideoni (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
what is the best way to store ginger for the next season
Showing 111 - 120 of 150 comments

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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