How to Get a Ginger Seed

Plant ginger root to produce more ginger root.

The ginger root that you buy in the grocery store is the ginger seed from which you can grow a ginger plant. In fact, you can cut up one piece of root into several seed pieces and grow them into several plants. While the plants grow above ground, the seeds or roots underneath will grow bigger, and possibly multiply. In order to get a ginger seed, you must obtain a ginger root.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Harvest a root from a ginger plant at least five months after planting; the longer they stay underground, the more flavor they develop. Dig gently down around your ginger plant. The roots or seeds will be about 2 to 3 inches deep.

2. Cut or break off the portions of the seeds that you want to use or dry for future use. Sterilize the knife first by wiping down the blade with rubbing alcohol or another disinfecting cleanser.

3. Divide and replant the ginger roots you are not going to use. Break or cut them into pieces, leaving at least one eye for each section. Replant the seed pieces about 2 inches deep, 4 to 6 inches apart. Alternately, plant them in individual pots.

References

• University of Florida; Growing and Using Edible Gingers in North Florida; Gineen Krafft; July 2004
• Queensland Government; Ginger in Queensland Commercial Production; Rodger Broadley

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension: Ginger Root