Growing your own ginger root in a pot is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy the flavor of this culinary superstar.
Ginger has been used for centuries as an ingredient in food, medicine, and cosmetics. In addition to its health benefits, it’s also a delicious spice that enlivens any dish. This article will show you how to grow ginger root in a pot so that you can enjoy your own fresh ginger.
To grow your own ginger root place a small piece of ginger, that has one or two ‘eyes’ in a pot with well-drained compost. Water it, and place the pot in an indoor location that receives plenty of sunlight. Within weeks you will notice green tips emerging from the soil.
Can you plant ginger root from the grocery store?
Yes. You can use ginger root from the store but you may not always get the best results.
The main reasons for this are the age of the ginger and how it has been transported, plus there are some growers that spray the ginger root after harvest with chemicals to prevent it from sprouting. This can cause problems when attempting to grow.
But, ginger root from the store is cheap and easy to find, so it is worth giving it a try.
Where can you get ginger root for growing?
You can find ginger roots suitable for growing online at stores such as Amazon – I’ve found a great supplier here who will send you 10 live roots.
Other places to look are garden centers and other outdoor suppliers.
What sized pot do I need to grow ginger root?
You will need a pot that is about 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and about 12-18 inches in height.
Do not use pots that are too big, as this will make it harder to keep the soil warm during the winter months.
What is the best soil for growing ginger roots in pots?
You want a soil that has the ability to drain well and that contains minimal extra nutrients.
Soils made from bark, composted manure or potting mix are good choices because they allow air flow around the roots.
How long does it take ginger root to grow?
Ginger roots can take between 2-4 months to grow from a small piece. You will need to place it in a warm, sunny spot, and keep it watered as normal.
This is the growth period where the ginger root sends out shoots from its ‘eyes’ (the buds on the end of each rhizome), and these shoots turn into roots.
When is the best time to plant ginger root?
The best time to plant ginger roots is April-May in a warm location. You can then bring it indoors at the end of September when night temperatures fall below 55 degrees F (13 C).
This gives you until about Christmas before you have to put it back outside again, and you can grow it indefinitely once you have a nice harvest.
What happens if I plant ginger root in the wrong time of year?
The ginger root will still grow, but the process of forming roots may be slowed down by cooler temperatures.
The plants could also become stressed, which can cause fungal or bacterial diseases to develop.
How often do you water a ginger plant?
Root ginger will need watering once per week or more frequently if the weather is hot and the compost is drying out.
How do you know when ginger is ready to harvest?
Ginger root is normally ready for harvesting around 10 to 12 months after the first green shoots of growth were noticed after planting.
You will often notice that the leaves will have yellowed and dried and that the stems of the plant are beginning to fall down.
These are the normal signs that the root ginger is ready to be lifted.
You can also carefully pull up the plant and look for roots, or you can dig into the soil and feel for a firm plump mass.
How long do ginger roots stay fresh after harvest?
Freshly harvested ginger should be stored in a paper bag or plastic container that is kept in an indoor location with good ventilation. It should be used within 2-3 months of harvest.
If you want to store it for longer then you need to keep it in a refrigerator, where the roots will stay fresh and good to use for up to 6-8 months.
What is ginger’s best growing condition?
Ginger likes warm temperatures with plenty of sunlight. However, if your house does not get enough light then you can place the pot near a sunny window, or you can grow it under fluorescent lighting.
If your house has very cool temperatures then look for special indoor lights that emit warmth, such as those used to warm greenhouses in winter.
However, with good care and proper watering, your ginger will still grow well if you live in a cooler climate.
What do I need to keep in mind if the temperature falls below freezing?
When you have ginger roots growing outside, they will be fine as long as they are kept away from direct rain or snow.
The root system will freeze if left out in these conditions, so you will need to move them to indoor locations before temperatures fall below freezing.
How do I replant ginger root after harvesting?
You will need to replants some shoots, as well as the rhizomes that develop from them.
Place these in the pot with some good soil and keep it warm and watered until new roots have developed.
Final words of advice
The ginger root adds flavor and heat to many dishes. It typically does not grow well in colder climates, but it can be grown successfully indoors with the proper care.
Look after your ginger plants and harvest them with care, you will be rewarded with many benefits of this wonderful plant.
I hope that these instructions have given you a good idea about how to grow root ginger in the comfort of your own home.
