Ginger is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid environments. But that doesn’t mean you can’t grow it if you live in a colder climate. With the right techniques, it’s possible to cultivate fresh ginger even if you live in a place with cold winters and short growing seasons.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step is selecting the right ginger variety. Some types are more cold tolerant than others. Good options include:
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Japanese ginger – Can withstand brief frost and temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C).
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Chinese yellow ginger – Survives light frosts. Tolerates temps down to 30°F (-1°C).
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Galangal ginger – Withstands short freezes when mature Hardy to zone 7
Avoid standard grocery store ginger, as it likely won’t survive overwintering outdoors. Purchase rhizomes from a reputable grower that specializes in cold-hardy ginger cultivars.
Start Ginger Indoors
Since ginger needs warm soil and a long growing season, start rhizomes indoors early in the year. Begin 6-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
Select plump healthy rhizomes with visible buds. Soak them in warm water overnight before planting to promote sprouting. Plant the rhizomes in pots filled with rich well-draining soil. Bury them 1-2 inches deep with the buds facing up.
Keep the pots in a warm spot (70-80°F) with indirect light. Use a heat mat to maintain optimal soil temperature. Mist the soil daily to keep it evenly moist. Ginger sprouts in 2-6 weeks under these conditions.
Gradually Acclimate Ginger Seedlings
Once sprouted, gradually transition seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Move pots to a shady spot for a few hours at first, slowly increasing sun exposure. Bring plants back indoors at night if frost threatens.
When nights stay above 50°F, ginger can remain outside full time. Harden off plants by reducing water and temperature over a week.
Plant in a Sheltered Outdoor Location
Choose an area protected from wind and frost. Ideal spots include near south-facing walls, beside structures that radiate heat, or under trees that provide dappled shade.
Plant ginger 18-24 inches apart in fertile soil amended with compost. Bury rhizomes 2-4 inches deep. Add mulch around plants to retain moisture and heat. Consider using black plastic sheeting or cloches for extra warmth.
Provide Consistent Moisture
Ginger thrives in consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water plants 1-2 inches per week, adjusting for rainfall. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry and discourage disease.
Add organic mulch like wood chips or straw around plants to conserve moisture. Monitor soil — if it’s soggy, improve drainage to prevent rot-related problems.
Use Protective Coverings
In fall, cover plants with hoop houses, cold frames, or fiber row covers to extend the growing season. These devices trap heat and protect ginger from frost. Ventilate during the day to prevent overheating.
Bring containers indoors before temps drop below 45°F, especially if frost threatens. Check weather forecasts closely in autumn and be ready to take cold protection measures.
Dig Up Rhizomes Before Freezing
In climates with long freezes, gently dig up ginger in late fall once leaves start yellowing. Cut foliage back to 2 inches above the soil. Cure rhizomes for 7-14 days in a dry spot with good airflow.
Store cured ginger in a cool (55°F), dark place for 2-6 months. Pack rhizomes in dry sphagnum moss or sawdust. Check periodically for shriveling or mold. Discard any damaged rhizomes.
Key Tips for Success
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Start rhizomes indoors up to 2 months before last frost
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Use row covers, cold frames, and mulch for protection
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Ensure consistent moisture through irrigation
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Acclimate plants slowly before moving them outside
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Shelter outdoor containers on cold nights
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Dig up mature rhizomes before hard freezes
With careful planning and protection methods, even gardeners in chilly climates can grow flavorful, homegrown ginger. Follow these tips to successfully cultivate this heat-loving plant in your area. Enjoy the challenge of outsmarting your climate and the rewards of harvesting fresh ginger.
Start Ginger Feb/March To Grow From STORE BOUGHT – Even In Colder Climates
FAQ
How cold is too cold for ginger?
Can you leave ginger in the ground over winter?
What is the most cold hardy ginger?
How to protect a ginger plant in winter?
What is the coldest temperature to grow Ginger?
The coldest temperature for growing ginger is spring conditions in zone 6B in the USDA hardy zone range. Zone 6B minimum winter temperatures are -5 to 0F (-18C) but planting ginger in spring will miss the harmful lows. This is only achievable when spring has well and truly arrived, and the chance of a late frost is all but gone.
Can Ginger grow in cool zones?
Ginger might be a tropical plant, but you can grow it in cool climates! Here, we’ll define “cool” as zones 6 or lower. Here are seven ginger growing tips for cool zones: Tip #1: If you’re growing in-ground, aim to grow baby ginger (which takes 6-7 months) NOT mature rhizomes (which takes 10-11 months).
What are the best conditions for growing ginger?
The best temperature conditions for growing ginger are warm nights and hot days. The best soil conditions are organically rich, well-draining soils that are mildly acidic in pH. Ginger also enjoys partly sunny positions and will happily grow in full shade.
Is Ginger a good plant to grow in a cold climate?
Cold climates are where most people live in this world, and while this is the case, some of the more desirable plants to grow are from warmer temperatures. Cold climates are where most people live in this world, and while this is the case, some of the more desirable plants to grow are from warmer temperatures. Ginger is one of these more desirable.