How to Grow Ginger Plants Inside

Ginger root from the produce aisle can be planted inside for years of harvest.

Fresh ginger is a tasty staple of Asian cuisine and has many health benefits. Easy to grow and a delicious addition to many recipes, ginger can be grown indoors using store-bought ginger from the produce aisle. Ginger loves filtered sunlight in a warm, humid spot.

Things You'll Need

• Plump ginger roots with growth buds or "eyes"
• Rich soil or compost
• Tub or planter about twice the size of the ginger roots

Instructions

1. Select fresh, plump ginger roots (rhizomes) with well developed growth buds, or "eyes." The best time to find fresh rhizomes is in early spring when ginger plants send out new shoots. You can also buy fresh ginger in the produce aisle of the grocery store or from a farmers' market.

2. Soak the rhizome in water overnight, then plant the ginger in rich, well draining soil, with the growth buds facing up. Cover with a thin layer of soil. A mixture of compost and sandy garden soil is ideal since the compost supplies nutrition and holds water while the sandy soil provides for good drainage. The planter should be roomy -- at least twice the size of the rhizomes.

3. Water the ginger lightly until growth starts, then water well and do not let the soil dry out. Ginger likes moisture. Take care not to overwater -- the soil should be damp, not wet.

4. Harvest after the leaves have died down, about eight to 10 months. Clip new tubers growing at the base of the plant for use in cooking as needed. Choose rhizomes with good growth buds to replant and propagate. The rest can be peeled, chopped and frozen for use in the kitchen.

Tips & Warnings

• Ginger can grow to 2 to 4 feet in height and reaches maturity in 8-10 months.

• Ginger is dormant during the winter months. Allow the plant to dry and protect it from cold.

• Avoid direct sun, frost, strong wind and waterlogged soil.

References

• Tropical Permaculture: Growing Ginger Root