How to Grow Ginger Root in Florida

Ginger root is a popular seasoning for Asian-inspired cuisine, soft drinks, cookies, cakes and breads. As a tender creeping perennial, ginger root will easily grow in Florida's tropical climate. You don't even need to special order or hunt down ginger root --- just go to the grocery store and pick out a few plump ones. A short period in the house will get the roots and buds started and prepare your ginger roots for the garden. Once actively growing outdoors, ginger root will live for years in Florida --- until you harvest it and enjoy it!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ginger root
• 8 inch pot
• Indoor potting soil
• Plastic bag

1. Buy ginger root from the grocery store. Look for smooth, well shaped roots with a lot of knobs on the surface. The knobs are where the growth will occur.

2. Fill an 8 inch pot with rich potting soil. Lay the ginger root on its flat side directly on the surface of the soil and water well. Place the entire pot into a plastic bag and then place the bag in a warm place. Check daily. When buds start to grow, it is time to transplant your ginger into the garden.

3. Find an area of your garden that is shaded for most of the day; a few hours of morning sun is ideal. Dig a shallow hole, place the ginger root in the hole and cover with about ½ inch of soil. Water well.

4. Ginger root takes about 9 to 10 months to reach harvestable size, although you can dig around the plant and cut off a piece of the root to use at any time. Leave the rest of the root underground and the plant will continue to grow.

5. After about 9 or 10 months, dig up the plant. Remove the quantity of roots you desire, and replant the remaining roots. Because ginger is a perennial, it will continue to grow and thrive in your garden indefinitely. For a continuous supply of ginger, dig up and harvest regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Ginger root sometimes produces small yellow flowers. You can cut these off or leave them on the plant.