How to Sprout Ginger Root

The underground root, or rhizomes, of the ginger plant is used to add flavor to foods and beverages, and has been used to help treat nausea and seasickness. The unique scent of ginger makes the plant a fragrant addition to the kitchen window. Sprouting the ginger root can be a rewarding project for a young child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piece of ginger root (about 2 to 3 inches long)
• 3 toothpicks
• Glass of water
• Ginger root with eyes
• Knife
• Planting soil
• Pot or container

Sprouting in Water

1. Insert a toothpick along the upper mid-section of a piece of ginger root.

2. Turn the root and insert a second and then third toothpick, equally spaced around the root.

3. Set the ginger root in a glass of water, so the root is suspended over the glass, with the toothpicks resting along the rim of the glass. The lower section of the ginger root should be submerged in water.

4. Set the glass in a sunny window and keep the water level maintained. It may take several weeks to sprout.

Sprouting in Soil

5. Fill a medium sized planting container with potting soil. Regular house plant potting soil will work.

6. Cut the ginger root in half. You can purchase a piece of ginger root at the grocery store. When buying the root, choose a piece with eyes (which are bumps, similar to potato eyes).

7. Bury a cut piece of root in the soil, about 1-inch deep. The piece must have at least one eye, as that is the area that will sprout. Position the side with the most eyes up.

8. Water the plant and set in a sunny window. Keep moist but not soggy. In about a month it will sprout.

References

• "Garbage Can Garden," NC State University, Cooperative Extension; Liz Driscoll (pdf)
• Effingham County; Master Garden Newsletter; Winter Gardening Activities for Kids; 2006
• UT El Paso; Herbal Safety