Native to Asia, ginger is a herbaceous plant rich in vitamins and minerals. Its pungent flavor is ideal for enhancing the flavor and aroma of dishes. This tropical perennial plant, which thrives in the cold, requires a minimum temperature of 10°C. Therefore, it’s best to grow this rhizome in a pot. That said, learn how to successfully grow ginger for a bountiful harvest.
Ginger is a vegetable plant, but also a seasoning. Used to flavor dishes, thanks to its peppery flavor, this rhizome also has medicinal properties. To enjoy the benefits of ginger and obtain an organic and abundant harvest, it is important to successfully grow this Asian plant.
How to successfully grow ginger and get a bountiful harvest?
Ginger
To grow ginger, you’ll need rhizomes, not seeds, as ginger doesn’t produce them. A rhizome is an underground stem that supports roots and aerial stems. To obtain an organic harvest, it’s important to choose organic rhizomes, which you can find in health food stores. These have not been treated and can therefore germinate easily. These roots for planting should also be vigorous and not shriveled or stunted. Also, choose rhizomes with several shoots. Your harvest will be more generous.
Also read: Why put baking soda on your tomato plants?
To grow your ginger in a pot, it’s important to choose a large, deep container to encourage root development. You can opt for a planter, for example, to accommodate up to three ginger rhizomes per container. To facilitate drainage and prevent root rot, place clay balls at the bottom of the pot. Then fill three-quarters of the pot with a mixture of two-thirds potting soil and one-third river sand, then lightly press down. Plant the rhizome flat, without pushing it completely into the soil. Part of the rhizome should remain visible. Then water, taking care not to leave any standing water in the saucer.
Young ginger plant in a banana leaf pot
After planting the ginger, keep the pot in a sunny , warm room , avoiding direct sunlight. Note that ginger is a tropical plant that thrives in a warm, humid environment, around 25°C (77°F). Moderate watering is recommended if your ginger hasn’t yet developed its roots, as even the slightest excess could cause your plant to rot. Wait until the first leaves appear and the stems begin to rise to water the soil more regularly. It’s important not to let it dry out. However, avoid waterlogging in the saucer or planter.
Homegrown ginger can be prone to mealybug attacks . To avoid this, it is advisable to air the plant as often as possible, provided it is not cold. To do this, keep your vase in the garden or on the terrace for a few hours, especially in summer when it is not cold. In case of a mealybug attack, soak a cotton ball in alcohol and pass it over the hair.
When to harvest ginger?
fresh ginger
Ginger can be harvested 9 to 10 months after planting. If you notice the green parts of the plant starting to dry out, you can dig up the rhizomes for consumption. For a more lemony-flavored ginger, consider harvesting it only 6 months after sowing.
Read also: Crop rotation: why avoid planting tomatoes and onions in the same place?
You can also fragment the collected rhizomes to plant them and obtain a new harvest. However, make sure that each rhizome fragment contains at least one bud.
That said, by respecting the needs and requirements of ginger, you can grow this spice plant and obtain a generous harvest, even without having green fingers.
Also read: Caring for potted basil: tips and growing techniques