There are over 1,000 species of "gingers" in the family Zingiberaceae, native to India, southeastern Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The most cultivated species is the common ginger, Z. officinale.
Ginger plants are perennials, endemic to tropical Asia, where they are grown for their aromatic rhizomes. The rhizomes, or "ginger roots", have a pungent taste that is popular in Asian and Indian cuisine for flavor and medicinal value. Ginger has volatile oils that have been known to help in digestion and in cardiovascular health. Plants cannot withstand frost, and must be grown in moist soil with regular water. They are easily cultivated and work well in outdoor gardens, or indoors as windowsill plants.
| Plant Types: | Herb, Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 2 feet to 4 feet |
| Width: | 12 feet |
| Zones: | 8a to 12b |
| Bloom Color: | Green, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Mid summer, Late summer |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Edible |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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The best way to propagate ginger is from the rhizomes themselves. Select a rhizome with many branches, or "fingers", and break off each finger to plant separately. Each finger should have atleast 2 nodes that resemble eyes on a potato; they look like miniature horns. Soak the rhizomes in water overnight. Plant the rhizomes in late winter or early spring. In most areas, ginger will need to be grown indoors initially and then moved outdoors. Fill a pot with 3/4 soil and place the rhizomes inside, covered with about 1" of soil. Make sure to plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards.
Harvest the rhizomes of Z. officinale (Ginger), after the foliage has died back in fall or winter. Dig up the rhizomes and scrub thoroughly with a vegetable brush. Ginger can be preserved by freezing or drying. Dry the ginger by placing the roots in the sun. The dried roots can be stored in a refrigerator or cupboard. Store fresh ginger in a plastic bag in a refrigerator where it should last for several weeks.
Ginger is not frost tolerant, and needs full sun to partial shade to grow well. In areas where water is limited, make sure to plant Z. officinale in an area that is shady for 1/2 of the day. Plant ginger in pots indoors, or outdoors in a shady site.
Blooms yellowish-green flowers that are often fragrant.
Zingiber grows best in soil that is rich and well-draining. Soil based potting mixes work fine for indoor plants. Water liberally during the growing season, less in winter. Mist plants grown in dry areas.
Ginger needs fertile soil to flourish. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis during the growing season.
Little pruning is necessary. In very fertile soil, overgrowth can occur which should be controlled.
The rhizomes of Z. officinale are prone to root rot in cold, wet conditions. Refrain from overwatering plants to prevent this from occuring.