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 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

08 Aug 17, Ken Lloyd (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi There, Where in the South West of Western Australia can I buy good young ginger to grow in pots
10 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I don't grow it but would suggest you ask a green grocer or nursery about it. Bunnings might even have it.
15 Jul 17, mick (Australia - temperate climate)
I had my first attempt at growing ginger late last year and harvested my first crop a month ago. Amazing and the taste was nothing like what you purchase in the shops. I will be replanting shortly and will then keep a permanent clump on a rotating basis. I have not bee so lucky with my galangal. Got a fair result and then split up the next season but lost almost all of it. It might have been too dry. Currently have plants growing which have been better located and on mounded soil. They are supposed to have yellow leaves as the middle of winter at present but the galangal is emerald green with no sign of having a break for winter. Maybe the roots remember last season and are making up for their poor results.......... Looking forward to trying this crop as well.
19 Jun 17, Andrew (Australia - tropical climate)
What is the required annually rainfall for ginger in the tropics?
19 Jun 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
"Ginger is a warm climate plant. It can be grown indoors in cool/temperate areas. To grow well it needs lots of water and nutrients. Prepare the soil by adding compost which will retain some moisture but not get saturated. Add a small amount of sand to ensure drainage. Water regularly in summer to keep moist". I would suggest a raised bed - even just a bed that is higher than the surrounding area. Doesn't have to be a constructed bed. Put plenty of compost and sand as suggested. A sandy soil rather than a clay soil - a good loamy soil. The trick is to keep it moist but not have it wet all the time.
29 May 17, Garry (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi ,my block is near wakerie south Australia. I would like to grow ginger, what kind of ginger would be appropriate for my farm. Thanks
30 May 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
By the calculation above you probably can't grow ginger there. Look at Veggies and herbs above - pick ginger - put in temperate climate and read about it.
30 May 17, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
There are two varieties of ginger available in Australia - 'Canton' and 'Queensland'. Canton is the most common. Just buy some rhizomes from a good fruit shop.
31 May 17, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown ginger in the Latrobe Valley and we get quite a few frosts. I would wait until Spring to plant it when the weather has started to warm up. Use a good sized tub to reduce the chance of big temperature fluctuations in the growing medium. Buy a piece of ginger from a green grocer that has a number of buds on it and is nice and firm. Plant it just below the surface and wait for a couple of weeks for it to emerge. Ginger and Turmeric like plenty of manure and moisture but will not tolerate wet, soggy soil or FROST. Putting a plastic tent or cloche over it in the Spring would help. A piece of silver builders insulation paper fixed to a frame behind it would also help by radiating heat. All the best.
09 May 17, (Australia - temperate climate)
I live i south Australia. I live in the Murraylands. I have bought some ginger which still have the tops on them. Can I plant them now. Or do I have to wait until September. If I have to wait., how do I keep the ones I bought for planting out in Spring.
Showing 141 - 150 of 253 comments

what is the botanical name for the ginger that is best grown in warm temperate Sydney (Gardenate : Zingiber Officinale)

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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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