Growing Ginger

Zingiber Officinale : Zingiberaceae / the ginger family

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

(Best months for growing Ginger in Australia - tropical regions)

  • P = Plant root
  • 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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20 Sep 18, Rucha (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long does it take for the shoots to emerge from planted rhizome?
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03 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you plant at the right time it shouldn't take too long to shoot - 2-3 weeks max - depends on soil temp.
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26 Aug 18, Marg (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on the sth coast nsw and my ginger was pot planted 2016. The spring of 2017 crop was not amazing so I used a little and replanted majority. Now Sept 2018 and I can feel the large clumps In the pot soil! Looking forward to harvest and repotting. Your site has been well presented. Many thanks.
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06 Sep 18, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been growing ginger in West Gippsland for a couple of years, but always in the hothouse! Same with Lemon Grass, Galangal, water chestnuts and Turmeric. Although I have seen others who manage these in warm corners of their verandah.
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27 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They don't recommend planting ginger in the temperate zone on this website so you are doing well. It is a warm climate crop so just remember that, if you have a poor year - probably had cool/cold weather. For more info google how to grow ginger.
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19 Sep 18, Bron (Australia - temperate climate)
Temperate Hunter is sub tropical ish now
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02 Jun 18, Soumya Chowdhury (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
We want to grow ginger in pot , what should be the ideal size of pot? How can we prepare the soil , what should be the mix and proportions of garden soil , compost and other manure ? What will be the best time ( months) to plant ginger in Canberra ? We will be happy to receive your valuable advice . Regards.
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07 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is a warm climate plant and you want to grow it in Canberra - cold.
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01 May 18, hannah (Australia - temperate climate)
can you grow ginger in may sa
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08 May 18, Joe Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just pulled my first jinger plant that i grew in a large pot. it was my first attempt . While it was not a great success there is enough for me and will be enough also for the neighbours. also there are six little pieces that will grow on to be next years crop. I will let them dry a little and plant them when new shoots appear. plant in pot in full sun . cheers and good luck
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Showing 111 - 120 of 254 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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