Growing Ginger in a Container
Step1
Buy fresh ginger roots at a grocery store or an Asian market. Look for fat tubers with numerous buds.
Step2
Plant ginger in spring when you can supply warm enough temperatures, whether indoors or out. The dormant tubers will sprout only when the mercury hits 75 to 85 degrees F.
Step3
Use a container that's about 14 inches across and 12 inches deep and has excellent drainage. This size will hold three average-size tubers comfortably.
Step4
Fill the container with potting soil enriched with plenty of compost.
Step5
Soak the tubers in warm water overnight, then set them in the pot just below the soil surface, spacing them evenly, with the buds facing up.
Step6
Set the container in light shade, indoors or out, depending on the temperature.
Step7
Water lightly at first, then more heavily when growth starts. Keep plants dry in winter, when they're dormant.
Step8
Move plants outside only when the temperatures have reached 50 degrees F. In cooler weather, growth can be stunted.
Step9
Shield plants from high winds, and move them indoors at the first sign of cool temperatures.
Step10
Expect plants to reach maturity, and a height of 2 to 4 feet, in 10 months to a year.
Step11
Dig up new, young sprouts that appear in front of the main plants (they form their own tubers), use what you need, and freeze or replant the rest.
Step12
Clip young, tender stems anytime.
Growing Ginger Outdoors in USDA Zone 10
Step1
Buy fresh ginger roots at a grocery store or an Asian market. Look for fat tubers with numerous buds.
Step2
Choose a lightly shaded site with rich, moist but well-drained soil. Work in plenty of compost to ensure the right combination.
Step3
Plant ginger in spring when temperatures are 75 to 85 degrees F. Soak the tubers in warm water overnight, then set them just under the soil surface with the buds facing up.
Step4
Water lightly at first, then more heavily when growth starts.
Step5
Shield plants from high winds, and cover them if temperatures dip lower than normal.
Step6
Expect plants to reach maturity, and a height of 2 to 4 feet, in 10 months to a year.
Step7
Dig up new, young sprouts that appear in front of the main plants (they form their own tubers), use what you need, and freeze or replant the rest.
Step8
Clip young, tender stems anytime.
Comments
Sue-Z said
on 7/21/2008 A ginger root I bought has sprouts sticking out - I wondered if I could grow my own ginger in my greenhouse - thanks to your tips, I'll give it a try!
MMick said
on 4/28/2008 Great information. Thank You. Now I feel confidant in growing ginger successfully. Great site
colo said
on 4/28/2007 always wanted to know how to grow ginger. great to have around the house - good tip