Introduction
Do you want to cultivate your own ginger?
Growing ginger is not at all difficult. It is one of my favorite plants to grow into only because it is easy but also because of the many uses the ginger root offers. When I started growing ginger at home, I expected it to be difficult. However, it is one of the easiest plants that I have grown until now. I want to use this platform to help all those people who are having trouble planting ginger in their homes. In this blog, you will learn all about how to grow and harvest ginger.
Let’s get started!
All You Need to Know About Ginger
Ginger root is popular for its pungent, spicy, and aromatic rhizomes. These rhizomes are often referred to as ginger roots. Ginger contains gingerols as the main active component. These are responsible for the flavor and fragrance that we can experience each rhizome of this mysterious herb/plant. Gingerols are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties. It is found to reduce the pain caused by arthritis (https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/how-to-grow-temperate-ginger/). Ginger is also found to boost your immune system. It is also found helpful in protecting us against ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. It kills cancerous cells and promotes the growth of healthy cells.
The ginger root is versatile in its uses. It is widely used in products ranging from bread to sweets, and spicy cakes to drinks. It is a staple in Asian dishes. In fact, the ginger plant originated in South-East Asia. Ginger gives off beautiful red-yellow colored flowers. It is also now grown as an ornamental plant.
One of the most common questions people have about ginger is ‘Is ginger a root?’. Yes, it is a root that is widely used in different dishes and also in some herbal medicines. The botanical name for ginger is Zingiber Officinale. Ginger root can be easily grown from a rhizome.
A ginger rhizome is knotty, rough, striated, and firm. The flesh may be red, white, or yellow depending on the variety. The skin of ginger is mostly cream-colored to light brown. It may be thin or thick depending on how mature the plant is at harvest.
Here is everything you need to know about growing ginger rhizomes in your own garden.
Site Selection for Growing Ginger Root
Ginger rhizomes grow best in humid and warm climates. Therefore, when choosing a site to grow ginger, make sure that it gets plenty of sunlight. The site should ideally get 2-5 hours of direct sunlight for the plant to thrive. You should also choose a slot that does not get direct strong winds.
Soil Preparation for Growing Ginger
Ginger thrives best in loamy and loose soil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcsrCWIDTRA). It should also be rich in organic matter. This kind of soil prevents water from standing at the site for too long. Water drains easily and quickly which prevents the rhizomes from rotting from too much water. Thick mulch in the soil is also great for ginger root to grow. It provides the plant with water and nutrients and also prevents the growth of weeds.
Planting Ginger
Ginger is grown from rhizomes. For planting ginger, cut a rhizome into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces. Set these pieces aside for some days sho that the surface area can heal. It will form a callus in some days. During early spring, plant these rhizomes underground. Make sure that each of the rhizomes is plump and contains well-developed and clearly visible eyes or growth buds (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/ginger/growing-ginger.htm).
Each rhizome should be planted at least 6-8 inches apart in the soil. It should be buried 2-4 inches deep into the soil. The growth buds should point upwards. They can be planted either in smaller pieces or as a whole. If you are planting them in smaller pieces, make sure that each piece contains at least a couple of growing buds. Ginger usually grows 2-3 feet tall.
Fertilization
If the soil you have chosen for ginger is not ideal, then you can add an organic fertilizer to increase its idealness when planting. You can also add liquid fertilizer to the soil every week for a few weeks after plantation has been done. These amendments in the soil are especially important if you live in the regions that receive heavy rainfall. Too much rain can leach the soil of its essential nutrients that are needed for the growth of plants. You may also add compost to the soil to retain water and to supply nutrients in the soil.
For the ginger root, the best fertilizers are the ones that contain a high level of phosphorus in it. Make sure that you test the soil first before planting your ginger root so that you can amend the soil if needed.
Watering
It is important not to let your ginger plants dry out when they are growing actively. It will have an adverse effect on their growth. Reduce watering the plants as the weather starts to cool. This helps the plants to develop rhizomes. If you live in a dry area, spray, or mist the plant regularly. Make sure that you always avoid overwatering your ginger plants.
How to Harvest Ginger?
You need to dig up the entire plant when you are harvesting ginger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lQV53fD0SU). While the ginger root can be harvested at any point when it reaches maturity, it is best to wait for at least 8-10 months after plantation. Dig the soil and slowly take out the ginger plant (https://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-ginger.html). After the harvest, you can choose some rhizomes to be used for replication. Make sure you replant these promptly.
Fresh ginger should be stored in the freezer or refrigerator. It can be kept for around 3 weeks in the refrigerator and for up to 6 months in the freezer.
FAQ
How long does it take to grow ginger?
Ginger takes around eight to ten months to fully grow. You can harvest it then and replant some rhizomes to get another crop in less than a year.
Do ginger plants need full sun?
Most of the tropical forms of ginger prefer to be grown in full sun. However, they do tolerate dappled or light shade.
How do you grow fresh ginger?
Refer to the information given above and you will find everything you need to know about growing ginger.
Conclusion
Growing ginger is one of the easiest things to do when it comes to planting. Here are some tips on growing ginger that can help you cultivate and harvest the root easily.
- Choose the best looking rhizome for growing your ginger
- It needs plenty of space to thrive, so make sure that you sow each rhizome apart
- It prefers full sun
- It should be watered regularly but make sure that you don’t overwater or the roots will start rotting
Follow these tips and you will be able to cultivate and harvest your ginger easily. For any more questions, get in touch with us in the comments below.