How to Grow Ginger Plants in Containers
The ginger plant has a spicy and edible root commonly used in cooking. Some societies use the root of the ginger plant to treat illnesses, such as nausea. These plants grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet and are frequently kept potted, although they can be transplanted into the ground. They make the perfect plants for window box herb gardens. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ginger root
- Glass of water
- Toothpicks
- Large pot
- Potting soil or peat moss
- Liquid fertilizer
Instructions
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1
Submerge a piece of ginger root partially within a glass of water. Secure the root using toothpicks placed within the root and balanced on the sides of the glass. The ginger will begin to sprout roots in the water (See References 1). If the root is particularly large, it can be broken in two and germinated into two separate seedlings (See References 2). Ginger root can be purchased at your local grocery store or farmer's market.
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Remove the sprouted root from the glass. Place it horizontally into a large pot filled with rich potting soil or peat moss (See References 1). The pot should be large enough to support the ginger plant when it reaches maturity. Cover the root with about an inch of potting soil.
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3
Water the seedling sparingly as it develops. Ginger seedlings do not require much water and can become waterlogged and unhealthy if watered too often. Water once a week and gradually increase the amount of water you offer the plant as it grows. Soil humidity for ginger plants should ideally be between 70 and 80 percent (See References 2). You may opt to purchase a water tester to help you better maintain ideal soil humidity.
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Choose a liquid fertilizer that contains high levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Fertilizers that contain moderate levels of boron and zinc are also beneficial to ginger plants (See References 2). Liquid fertilizers spread throughout the soil more efficiently than dry fertilizers and are absorbed more quickly by plant roots.
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Fertilize the ginger plant once a week by mixing the desired amount of fertilizer with water and pouring it into the container. Only fertilize the plant once it is actively growing and no longer in the seedling phase. If you do choose to fertilize the seedling, do so very sparingly as too much fertilizer can be detrimental to the health of an immature plant (See References 2).
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Place the pots or containers in indirect sunlight to allow the plants limited access to sun. If you are growing ginger in pots on a porch or patio, be sure that the ginger is shaded for at least part of the day. Extended periods of direct sunlight can damage the plant.
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