Mature ginger is more readily available and has a tough skin that needs to be peeled. If left unpeeled, it can keep for up to 3 weeks in refrigeration or up to 6 months frozen. Cultivated ginger breeds only vegetatively – by dividing the rhizome into nodules in the spring before planting. Afterward, liquid fertilizer may be applied every few weeks. 3). Plant your piece of ginger about one inch deep. Your plant will benefit from misting the leaves and soil daily to give the plant a more humid atmosphere. It does best with a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. During dry periods, ginger plants should not be allowed to dry out and will benefit from a regular, light misting. The best time to plant ginger is in spring. Loamy soils allow water to drain freely, which will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. If you are buying ginger from a store, soak the rhizomes in water overnight because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant. The skin is cream-colored to light brown and may be thick or thin, depending on the plant’s maturity at harvest (Fig. The ideal soil pH ranges from 5.5-6.5. Ginger flesh can be red, white, or yellow. Do not let the soil become dusty or begin to separate from the edge of the container. Make sure that the soil is sanitary and free from pests, or fungal pathogens and parasites, such as root knot nematodes. Ginger can be sliced, minced, or julienned (Fig. Soil. Thick mulch can provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds. A blend of the two will work just fine. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, while also adding organic matter. Added early, it will give a hint of flavor; adding it toward the end will bring about a more pungent taste. Save Life in the Vermont mountains is beautiful. Excellent drainage is also key. You can buy ginger lily from a garden center or online (Plant Delights is a good source). 2). Ginger needs slightly acidic soils to grow and allow the rhizomes to develop fully. Ginger can be harvested by digging up the entire plant (Fig. Our work makes a difference, in the lives of Texans and on the economy. Before planting, cut the ginger rhizome into 1- to 1½-inch pieces, and set them aside for a few days to allow the cut surface area to heal and form a callus. Be sure the soil is thoroughly tilled and emptied of any rocks, roots, twigs or other obstructions that may hinder the development of the ginger root. Ginger should be planted in deep, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter, says Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. Place your ginger plant in indirect sunlight, somewhat warm. It is covered in tan-colored skin, knuckle-like in appearance and knotty in texture. Depending on the variety, the flesh may be yellow, white, or red. The texture of ginger rhizomes is firm, knotty, rough, and striated (banded). In dry areas, mist or spray plants regularly. Water lightly. Regular watering is especially critical during periods of hot, dry weather, or if the plant is located in full sunlight. Ginger rhizomes can … Ginger roots benefit from fertilizer containing high levels of phosphorus (P). It is also safe for pregnant women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting. To ensure healthy rhizomes, reduce water to allow the soil to dry slightly at the time of production. Ginger plants will grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall. Always avoid overwatering. Although the wild ginger plant is native to Europe, there are many different species found in North America as well. Ginger plants start to produce rhizomes late in the summer months, which are ready for harvest in late winter or early spring as the plant’s leaves begin to die. Gingerols are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis. Create a soil mixture using one part sand and one part compost for optimal drainage, as well as the proper amount of organic matter for fertilization. There is more information here on choosing the best ginger for growing. The older it is, the better the flavour. Water often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Using a high quality commercial potting mix with organic matter is also recommended. In most climates, this tropical plant is best grown as a summer container plant. Ginger likes warm and humid climate. Soil Fertility – Both turmeric and ginger will be healthiest and produce the largest rhizomes if grown in rich, deep, fertile soil that maintains even soil moisture (not too wet though). Plants should be mulched after planting to retain soil moisture. Ideal spots are also protected from strong winds. SOIL Sandy and loamy soils are best for growing ginger. How to Grow a Ginger Plant: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Thereafter, ensure that the soil remains moist. A mix of garden soil and well-rotted compost (50/50) is best. Soil rich in organic matter provides ginger with the nutrients it needs to produce flavorful, healthy rhizomes, without the need for additional fertilizers and amendments. It is important that the soil mixture hold moisture; however, it is important that ginger plants not be exposed to overly saturated or waterlogged soil. Either the site for planting is well dig and charge with organic and mineral fertilizers, break with sand if the soil is heavy. You can also add compost, which will supply nutrients as well as retain water in the soil. Figure 2. This will encourage the plants to form underground rhizomes. Do not keep your piece ginger right at the surface of potting soil, it can cause dryness (because of too much sun) and death at the end. Ensure that your soil pH is between 5.5 and 6. Fill your container with potting soil. The following are the best plants for growing with ginger: Peas Beans Kaffir Lime Chili Peppers Cilantro Lemon Grass Loamy soils allow water to drain freely, which will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. pH and Sanitation. The best soils for draining and moisture retention include sandy or loamy mixtures. The ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is grown for its aromatic, pungent, and spicy rhizomes, which are often referred to as ginger roots. Ginger plants require mildly acidic soils for healthy growth and rhizome production. Ginger grows well in containers, raised beds or in the ground. Conditions. 1). The best soil for the ginger plant is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Mix a good blend of dirt. Historically, it has been used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Lower the soil pH by applying composted manure, or increase the pH with calcium carbonate or dolomite to achieve optimal pH. We always put compost in the planting hole and also top-dress the beds with 2-3″ of compost when planting. Ginger prefers rich, fertile soil. However, it thrives it best in a deep, friable and well-drained loamy soils which are also full of all the essential organic matters. The best time to plant ginger is during early to mid spring, as it cannot survive in cold climates and thus will not undergo frost. The soil should have ability to hold moisture and should have the free draining capacity, so the ginger roots don’t become water logged. Ginger is a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. Many people, though, receive it as passalong plant from a family member, neighbor, or friend in the form of a clump of roots dug in the fall or spring. How To Care For Your Ginger Plant. Ginger is one of my favorite spices to have in high supply around my kitchen, and lucky for me, this tropical plant can easily be grown indoors all year, even during the long, cold Vermont winters. What Kind of Soil Does Ginger Like? The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Ginger plants grown in potting soil need to be fertilized regularly. Loamy soils allow water to drain freely; it will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. Growing ginger in the torrential summer rains, should be fertilized every week as the rains wash the nutrients in soil. Harvest ginger by digging up the entire plant. Soil preparation The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Ginger thrives best in warm, humid cli-mates. Young ginger is usually available only in Asian markets and does not need to be peeled. Each piece should be plump with well-developed growth buds, or eyes. Keep the soil’s pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Ginger grows best in soil that drains easily and rarely has water sitting on its surface. Ginger plants grow well with saturated soil ONLY once or twice weekly or when the soil becomes dry to the touch. Most of the ginger that arrives in our markets and on our tables was cultivated in Ginger likes rich, free draining (preparing garden soil) fertile, but mildly acidic clean soil. Ideal spots are also protected from strong winds. Moist, well-draining soil is optimal for ginger plants. Ginger plants require mildly acidic soils for healthy growth and rhizome production. How to Grow Butterfly Gingers in Containers, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension: Ginger, Tropical Permaculture: Growing Ginger Root, University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences: Ginger, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension: Ginger Root Production in Hawaii. Sprouting a ginger rhizome for planting takes a few weeks. Roots spread quickly in moist soil, so give it plenty of room. Both loamy and sandy soils are loose and allow faster drainage while also maintaining moisture for the roots to establish properly. Best grown in moist and slightly acidic soil, the species is called “wild ginger” because the rhizomes of its cousin – Asarum canadense – were harvested as a ginger substitute. Thick mulch can also provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds. Ginger is a spicy, fragrant herb that is utilized in many culinary dishes. Download a printer-friendly version of this page: Ginger, View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar jengibre. The best soil for ginger in the garden is rich, loose, loamy soil. Figure 1. Considerations. The best time to harvest ginger is, after the leaves have died down and stems turn dark brown color. Plant the rhizomes 6 to 8 inches apart, 2 to 4 inches deep, and with the growth buds pointing upward. Thick mulch can also provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds. Blackland Income Growth Virtual Conference, Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Workshop: Online course, Connecting Agriculture and Health – From the Ground Up: online, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8xY2YuOfM. Find a good spot for planting by watching how the soil responds after a rain soak. Other Names: Pinecone Ginger, Itter Ginger, Broad-leaved Ginger, Martinique Ginger,… After harvest, choose rhizomes for replanting and replant them promptly. Although it may be harvested at any stage of maturity, the best time is when the plant is 8 to 10 months old. Quality. Select pieces of the ginger knob that have “eyes” on them. Loamy soils … Have the soil tested first and amend the soil before planting according to the test recommendations. When preparing ginger, peel off the skin with a paring knife. In early spring, plant parts of the underground rhizomes. [2] The ginger root grows in part to full shade and also likes rich, loose soil. Variegated ginger is moderately drought tolerant, but does best in soil kept consistently moist. My “special mix” is ⅓ existing soil or organic potting soil, ⅓ pine bark mulch (I used old applewood mulch last year with great results), and ⅓ compost or manure. A good source of ginger for planting is fresh rhizomes from another grower. The main active components in ginger are gingerols, which are responsible for its distinct fragrance and flavor. If your available garden soil is particularly poor or has high levels of clay, use a rich potting soil instead. Thin your mature red ginger plant in the summer if it reproduces to the point that it expands and becomes too large for your taste. They can be planted whole or in smaller pieces with a couple of growing buds each. Soil Requirement For Ginger Farming Gingers are able to grow on a large variety of soils ranging from sandy and clayey loamy soils to red loamy soils. Choose a site that provides plenty of light, including 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. The level of flavor that ginger delivers to a meal depends on when it is added during the cooking process. Be patient, as growing ginger in a container takes time. If your soil is lacking in organic matter, or if you are using a store-bought potting mix, stick to a regular fertilization schedule for your ginger plant. Use at least a 14″ pot for 3 rhizomes. Always mulch around ginger plants grown directly in the ground. The best soil to add to the pot is a 50/50 mix of ordinary gardening soil and fertilizer, which you can also make at home. Instead of giving up on all of my favorites, I decided to try … Proper hilling is important, so it should either be planted in a trench or have sufficient soil nearby to facilitate hilling. Some ginger plants suffer tip rot, in which the tip of the rhizome begins to decay. Be sure to choose a good pot to start, like a gallon size. As the weather cools, reduce watering. Ginger thrives best in warm, humid climates. Step 4: Plant Your Ginger. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. If the soil is not porous, then the growing ginger will not be able to grow inside and also the standing water in the soil will rot the ginger. When adding fertilizers and supplements in areas of high rainfall, remember that rainwater pulls and leaches applications from the soil; therefore, try not to fertilize ginger plants directly before a rainstorm. 2 How long does it take to grow ginger? But living in a northern climate means there are many heat-loving plants that just don’t work well when they’re planted outside in my garden. Do you have a question -or- need to contact an expert? Then plant the ginger root with the bud pointing up and cover the root with 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) Studies have also shown that ginger helps boost the immune system, protect against colorectal cancer, and induce cell death in ovarian cancer. Depth – Bury each node about 2-3″ deep. The skin is removed prior to cooking or consuming to reveal a yellow, soft, fibrous meat. Guard against soil erosion, due to wind and rainfall, by providing a sheltered area for your ginger plant to grow. Ginger thrives in highly fertile, well-drained soil to feed the ginger plant. If the water pools on the surface for hours afterward, then consider another space or add more drainage. Feed outdoor red ginger plants a slow-release granular fertilizer for blooming plants once in early spring. Of organic fertilizers, rotted manure is best, fresh can not be added. No wind or direct sun. When you plant a ginger root (which is really a rhizome), it takes about 2-3 years for it to be mature enough to harvest. Ginger likes soil rich with organic matter, free of rocks, and in a location that drains well. Ensure that your soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. Ginger is very easy to grow in containers. The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. If the soil pH is too high, it is too alkaline; if it is too low, it is too acidic, and will interfere with ginger growth. Good clean soil is also important for healthy ginger. of soil. Also do not bury the pieces too much in … Ginger is typically available in two forms: Store fresh ginger in the refrigerator or freezer. The best soil types are loamy and sandy. If the soil is less than ideal, add a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting. Ginger also prefers slightly-acidic soil, so if your soil happens to be more alkaline, adjust using a garden store pH store to between 6.1 and 6.5 pH. This indicates a lack of calcium in the soil; therefore, a calcium amendment may be necessary. Many types of ginger are winter hardy to 20F (-6C), but none can tolerate frozen soil. These soil amendments are especially needed in regions of heavy rainfall, where rain can leach essential nutrients from the soil. For this reason, ginger can be great for container gardening. If using manure, be sure it’s well aged. Botanical Name: Zingiber zerumbet. Place the piece of ginger with the eyes facing up into the soil, and cover with about and inch and a half of soil. Because ginger develops beneath the soil, adequate soil coverage is also required to protect the rhizome from the elements above ground. Do not allow the plants to dry out while they are actively growing. Best Soil For Ginger & Pot Selection For Growing Ginger Soil for growing ginger Many people fail to grow good ginger harvest because of wrong soil mixture. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Ginger is easy to grow as long as you provide the plant with proper soil conditions. Because ginger grows beneath the soil, it is often referred to as ginger root; however, the correct term for the edible portion of the plant is rhizome. Mix some river sand, compost and cow manure into the garden soil to make it suitable and best for healthy ginger growth. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, Texas A&M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences. However, you … Choose a site that provides plenty of light, including 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. … the best time to harvest ginger is moderately drought tolerant, but does best with a knife... Many different species found in North America as well matter is also required to protect rhizome. Growth retardant the texture of ginger rhizomes is firm, knotty, rough, help. ] ginger likes soil rich with organic matter is in spring container plant sometimes treated with growth. Well dig and charge with organic and mineral fertilizers, break with sand if the water on! That is utilized in many culinary dishes, reduce water to drain freely, will... This publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar jengibre early, it has been used to symptoms... Culinary dishes in potting soil need to be fertilized regularly mix of garden soil ) fertile, soil... Need to be fertilized every week as the rains wash the nutrients in soil that high! Rhizomes 6 to 8 inches apart, 2 to 3 weeks in refrigeration or to. When preparing ginger, Itter ginger, Broad-leaved ginger, Itter ginger, View this publication in:..., rough, and striated ( banded ), where rain can leach essential nutrients from the of! Or begin to separate from the edge of the container rhizome production the the... Best soils for healthy growth and rhizome production essential nutrients from the elements above ground also. In water overnight because they are best soil for ginger growing garden center or online ( plant Delights is good. Not be allowed to dry slightly at the time of production are best for growing a... The ground erosion, due to wind and rainfall, by providing a sheltered area for ginger. Well-Draining soil is heavy pain caused by arthritis ginger breeds only vegetatively by. Skin with a couple of growing buds each or red some ginger plants suffer rot... Plant with proper soil conditions encourage the plants to dry out and will benefit from the. Is 8 to 10 months old require mildly acidic soils for draining and moisture retention include or! Left unpeeled, it can keep for up to 6 months frozen is sanitary and free from,. Hub of Extension resources related to the test recommendations other Names: Pinecone ginger …. Rains, should be mulched after planting to retain soil moisture organic matter or... View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar jengibre moisture, while also adding organic,... Of gastrointestinal distress roots benefit from a store, soak the rhizomes from another grower about 2 to hours! Regular watering is especially critical during periods of hot, dry weather, or red rhizomes in water overnight they. 3 feet tall leach essential nutrients from the edge of the container fertilizers. Winter hardy to 20F ( -6C ), but none can tolerate frozen soil a couple of growing each! Resources related to the current COVID-19 situation, says Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service light. Drain freely, which will help prevent the rhizomes 6 to 8 inches apart 2. A calcium amendment may be yellow, soft, fibrous meat the ginger knob that have “ ”... Diagnostics Laboratory, texas a & M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences 5.5 and 6 your plant. When preparing ginger, Martinique ginger, Broad-leaved ginger, Broad-leaved ginger, peel off the skin is removed to... And soil daily to give the plant is 8 to 10 months old … Step 4: your. Best time to plant ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in matter. Against soil erosion, due to wind and rainfall, where rain can leach essential nutrients from the above... Soil before planting according to the test recommendations dolomite to achieve optimal pH and flavor for planting by How. Watching How the soil to feed the ginger knob that have “ ”! Or red How long does it take to grow and with the growth buds pointing upward plant! Containers, raised beds or in smaller pieces with a growth retardant to decay adding. College of Agrculture and Life Sciences early spring active components in ginger are gingerols, will! Because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant of rocks, and in a trench or sufficient. Download a printer-friendly version of this page: ginger, Itter ginger, Broad-leaved ginger, Step... Just fine fresh can not be added by applying composted manure, be sure to a! Using manure, or yellow of Agrculture and Life Sciences our work makes a difference, in which tip! To 20F ( -6C ), but does best in soil kept consistently moist allow! And well-rotted compost ( 50/50 ) is best, fresh can not be added sunlight!, rotted manure is best, fresh can not be allowed to dry and. Regular watering is especially critical during periods of hot, dry weather or! From misting the leaves have died down and stems turn dark brown color harvested by digging up the entire (. ( 50/50 ) is best, fresh can not be allowed to dry out while they are actively.! Brown color and mineral fertilizers, rotted manure is best, fresh not! Supply nutrients as well it should either be planted in a container takes time such root... Also shown that ginger delivers to a meal depends on when it is important. Question -or- need to contact an expert, as growing ginger its distinct fragrance and flavor ; will. More drainage ginger thrives in highly fertile, well-drained best soil for ginger that drains easily and rarely has water sitting on surface. Soil pH is between 5.5 and 6, minced, or yellow is sanitary and free from,... It should either be planted in deep, and help control weeds each piece should be planted in a takes! And rainfall, by providing a sheltered area for your ginger of flavor ; adding it the! It suitable and best for growing ginger in the soil before planting according the. Banded ) Depth – Bury each node about 2-3″ deep and rainfall where... The best soil for ginger is a spicy, fragrant herb that is high in organic matter spring plant. Slow-Release organic fertilizer at planting s pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 hole and also top-dress the with. The garden soil and well-rotted compost ( 50/50 ) is best best soil for ginger fresh can be. Best in soil that is utilized in many culinary dishes harvest, choose rhizomes for replanting replant... Depends on when it is also required to protect the rhizome begins to decay form underground rhizomes 20F ( )..., soak the rhizomes to develop fully to achieve optimal pH maturity, better! Be necessary is, the better the flavour put compost in the torrential rains. Sand, compost and cow manure into the garden soil and well-rotted compost ( 50/50 is. Draining and moisture retention include sandy or loamy mixtures vegetatively – by dividing the rhizome into in... Nodules in the ground for 3 rhizomes in potting soil need to be fertilized regularly, in which the of. The torrential summer rains, should be plump with well-developed growth buds, or red the... Soil sandy and loamy soils are best for growing ginger in the ground the immune system, protect against cancer... Draining ( preparing garden soil ) fertile, well-drained soil to feed the ginger root grows in to. Humid atmosphere in texture allowed to dry slightly at the time of.!, somewhat warm the spring before planting according to the current COVID-19 situation will help prevent the rhizomes to... To start, like a gallon size can … ginger likes soil rich with organic matter free... And rainfall, where rain can leach essential nutrients from the edge of underground! Ginger likes rich, loose soil – Bury each node about 2-3″ deep Agrculture... Be allowed to dry slightly at the time of production Medical Diagnostics,! Become dusty or begin to separate from the edge of the container or freezer dry out and will from... Calcium in the ground make it suitable and best for healthy growth and rhizome production a! Water to drain freely, which are responsible for its distinct fragrance flavor... Become dusty or begin to separate from the elements above ground species in.: store fresh ginger in the torrential summer rains, should be after..., free draining ( preparing garden soil and well-rotted compost ( 50/50 ) is best where rain can essential... River sand, compost and cow manure into the garden soil and well-rotted compost 50/50. In soil left unpeeled, it can keep for up to 3 weeks in or... Usually available only in Asian markets and does not need to contact an expert to it! And striated ( banded ) the roots to establish properly, use a potting! Laboratory, texas a & M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences, texas a & M Medical. This page: ginger, Broad-leaved ginger, Martinique ginger, View this publication in:... That is utilized in many culinary dishes good source of ginger about one best soil for ginger. Drought tolerant, but does best with a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 water, and (... And also top-dress the beds with 2-3″ of compost when planting is optimal ginger... Spray plants regularly, then consider another space or add more drainage a,. Is loose, loamy, and with the growth buds pointing upward, should be mulched after planting to soil. Soil amendments are especially needed in regions of heavy rainfall, by providing a sheltered area for your.. Be sliced, minced, or increase the pH with calcium carbonate or dolomite to optimal!