It’s impossible to find anything in a store that tastes as sweet and melts in your mouth as freshly dug baby ginger. Even it’s leaves smell of ginger, which we dry and steep as tea all winter long. It’s a lot of fun to grow ginger, but it’s not always easy. We’re here to help you all season long; sign up for our free online course Grow Your Own Ginger.
Two of the most common mistakes is not starting ginger early enough and not feeding her enough. This plant probably wants food more than any other in your garden. A heat mat is the key to quick growth. You’ll find these in Fruition’s Ultimate Grow Your Own Ginger Collection here.
You’ll receive certified organic ginger rhizomes ready to sprout, fresh from our friend’s farm in Hawaii. We find large ‘hands’ of ginger are more prone to breaking in the mail. Before we ship our one- and two-pound sizes, we often cut our big hands into 2” to 3” seed pieces that have at least two to three good growth buds or eyes. (One pound of ginger “seed” grows roughly an average of 8 to 10 plants. ) We recommend this size of ginger seed piece for best planting results. There are specific video lessons in our Course and Sowing
With its spicy kick and medicinal benefits, ginger root has become a popular ingredient and plant to grow. The gnarled, knobby rhizomes can be purchased for cooking, but did you know you can also buy ginger root specifically for planting and propagating new ginger plants? Here’s where to source quality ginger rhizomes for growing this tropical plant at home.
Purchasing Potted Ginger Plants
The easiest way to acquire a ginger plant is to purchase one already growing in a pot. Many nurseries and online shops offer potted ginger starters:
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Local nurseries and garden centers especially those carrying tropical varieties.
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National catalogs and websites like Logee’s White Flower Farm, Territorial Seeds.
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Specialty fruit and nut tree nurseries offering unique edibles
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Small organic farms with niche crops like A Natural Farm in Florida.
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Ethnic grocery stores and Asian markets sometimes stock live potted ginger.
Potted plants let you skip the initial growing process. Just plant the established starter ginger directly into the ground or a larger pot.
Finding Ginger Rhizomes for Planting
You can also source fresh ginger root rhizomes to plant yourself:
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Grocery stores, usually by the fresh herbs and vegetables. Opt for large, robust rhizomes.
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Farmer’s markets and fruit stands, especially those with exotic produce.
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Ethnic food markets and spice shops. They may sell in bulk by the pound.
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Online vendors like Etsy or eBay. Search for “ginger rhizomes for planting.”
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Specialty nurseries often sell edible ginger root stock seasonally.
Look for plump, healthy rhizomes free of wrinkling, mold, and blemishes. The roots keep 1-2 months when stored properly.
What to Look for When Buying Ginger Root
Whether purchasing potted plants or rhizomes for planting, look for:
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Ginger classics like common ginger (Zingiber officinale) or yellow ginger.
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Organically grown options to avoid pesticide residue.
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Good root size and maturity if buying rhizomes. Mature rhizomes sprout more readily.
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Indications of origin like “Hawaiian ginger” which grows well tropically.
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Unique ornamental ginger varieties with pretty red-veined leaves if desired.
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Reputable sources and fair pricing, around $10-20 per good sized rhizome or small plant.
How to Store Ginger Rhizomes for Later Planting
Fresh unpeeled ginger root can be stored for 1-2 months before planting. Proper storage preserves rhizome viability:
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Keep ginger in a paper bag versus plastic which traps moisture.
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Refrigerate in the crisper drawer around 45°F with good airflow.
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Avoid excess moisture which causes molding. Wipe off any condensation.
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Check periodically and remove any roots starting to shrivel or soften.
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Keep roots in the dark once sprouts begin emerging for planting.
With properly stored fresh rhizomes, you’ll have quality ginger root ready for planting when conditions are right.
How to Plant and Grow Ginger from Rhizomes
Growing ginger from roots takes warmth, moisture, and patience:
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Soak rhizomes overnight before planting. Drain and allow to sprout short shoots.
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Plant sprouted ginger 2-4 inches deep in rich potting soil mixed with compost.
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Choose a 10-12 inch diameter container with drainage holes, or plant directly in the ground in zones 8-11.
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Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water 1-2 inches per week depending on warmth.
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Grow in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Shelter from hot direct sun.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 2-3 weeks during growth.
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Harvest ginger roots after 10-12 months once foliage dies back in fall.
With the right growing conditions and high quality ginger rhizomes, you can enjoy an endless supply of this beneficial plant. Seek out reputable sources offering healthy rootstock for planting.
Frequency of Entities:
ginger: 23
rhizomes: 17
root: 16
plant: 7
soil: 5
grow: 5
pots: 3
sprout: 2
How to Grow Organic Ginger: Just a Taste!
Growing ginger is remarkably fun though far from foolproof and Friends, we’re here to help all season long. Our Grow Your Own Ginger course offers even more insight on how to amplify your ginger abundance. Enjoy!.
Cut rhizomes into pieces that are 2 to 3 inches long and have at least 2 to 3 good growth buds or eyes. If you buy rhizomes from an organic source, they won’t have been sprayed with chemicals that might stop them from sprouting. ).
Sprout: At least 4 weeks before last frost, plant inside, barely submerged in soil in a tray. You can plant earlier if you have great grow-lights or excellent southern sun exposure. If you get ginger rhizomes in the mail, plant it as soon as you get it. If you need to store it for a while, keep it somewhere warm, not in the fridge! Heat mats make all the difference because they raise the soil temperature about 15 degrees above room temperature. This keeps your ginger growing at its best in warm tropical climates. Without a heat mat, your ginger may take months to sprout. During sprouting, water ever so slightly – err on the side of too dry rather than too wet.
Transplant: Once soil is at least 55 degrees F, transplant. It’s great to use hoops and row cover to increase warmth if you have them.
Plant care: Side dress and “hill” your ginger 2-3 times across the growing season. Make sure you use a lot of even fertility (not too high in nitrogen) like our Organic Ginger Fertilizer Blend to get the most rhizome growth.
Harvest: Lift plants as late as you can and at least 4 months after transplanting. If you’d like to harvest the leaves for tea, harvest before first frost. You can harvest the rhizomes as late as just *after* first frost.
To store, leave the soil on the new rhizomes and put them in a closed plastic bag. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about a month. You can also wash them and store them in the fridge for about two weeks in a closed plastic bag with a damp paper towel inside. You can freeze it in a plastic bag and grate it all winter long.
To learn more about how to get more ginger, check out our free online course called “Grow Your Own Ginger.” Enjoy!.
Ginger Growing from Store-Bought Ginger Roots!
FAQ
Will store bought ginger root grow?
What month do you plant ginger root?
Where do you get ginger root from?
How do you grow ginger root?
Ginger root grows in part to full shade and likes rich, loose soil. If you’ll be planting ginger in the ground, it’s a good idea to add lots of compost or rotted manure to the chosen spot. If you will be growing ginger in containers, using potting soil is a must. Plant your ginger root in the early spring, after all chances of frost have passed.
Can you grow Ginger in a garden?
The answer is yes; you can. Not only is growing ginger plants possible, it is easy as well. Let’s take a look at how to grow ginger root in your garden. Planting ginger starts with finding some ginger root to plant.
Does Ginger grow in soil?
No matter which method you use to achieve healthy ginger roots, your ginger will eventually end up in soil. Whether you’re planting the ginger in a pot or directly into the ground, it’s crucial to use nutrient-rich soil that will hold moisture but not become waterlogged. Step 1: Choose a container just large enough for your ginger.
How do you grow Ginger in a pot?
Plant sprouted ginger two inches below lip of pot. If you can tell which part is a shoot, aim that up. If not, the plant will sort it out as it grows. Cover with additional inch of potting mix and water again. All parts of the ginger should be covered. The ideal growing temperature is higher than many of us keep our homes (75-85°F | 24-29°C).