If you live in a hot region of North America, you may be able to grow ginger root outdoors, or you can grow it in containers and move them indoors when temperatures cool. It isn’t all that fast-growing and takes around eight to 10 months from planting in the early spring to when the rhizome is ready to harvest. If you can’t guarantee tropical-type outdoor temperatures, it would be best to grow your ginger root in containers, and you can transfer them indoors when the colder temperatures hit.
Light
Ginger root does best in full sun or partial shade. In southern regions that experience intense heat, filtered sunlight is best.
Soil
Ginger root thrives in a fertile, well-drained, moisture-retaining loamy soil. Although the plant can grow in slightly acidic conditions, it prefers a neutral or alkaline pH.
Water
The one thing you don’t want when growing ginger is waterlogged soil. Although you should water the plant deeply and regularly during the growing season—usually at least an inch a week—be careful not to overdo it. Soggy conditions can result in root rot. Avoid watering during the plant’s dormant, leafless season, especially when being grown in containers. Begin watering again when the new season’s shoots appear. If you are concerned about the plant drying out during the growing season, you can apply mulch. This will help with moisture retention and providing additional nutrients, as well as controlling weeds.
Temperature and Humidity
Optimal soil temperatures for growing ginger root outdoors are around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. But anything between 66 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit should result in a healthy crop if you keep the plant protected from strong winds. If temperatures drop below 66 degrees, the plant could fall into dormancy, and when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure to bring it indoors.
Fertilizer
Unless you plant your ginger root in exceptionally fertile soil, you will need to apply decent volumes of fertilizer for an optimal harvest—these plants are heavy feeders. Applying a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer high in phosphorous once in spring and summer, along with a monthly application of a liquid fertilizer should produce good results. Some gardeners also apply a summer application of compost. If you experience heavy rainfall, feeding every few weeks may be necessary to top up nutrients that leach from the soil.
Pruning
Common ginger doesn’t need much in the way of pruning. Cutting back the spent stems in the autumn once they die back can encourage healthy new growth the following year.
Propagating Ginger Root
Ginger can be grown from roots found in supermarkets in the spring. It is best to select those marketed as organic as some commercial rhizomes are treated with an application of growth inhibitors. Look for pieces that have green buds growing as these have the best chance of propagating successfully. You can plant the rhizomes whole or divided. Calluses should form over any cut pieces before planting. Some gardeners also like to soak the rhizome for 12 hours in warm water in advance of planting to try to remove any growth inhibitors. When planting, position the rhizomes around an inch into warm, fertile soil and lightly and regularly water for the first few weeks until the shoots begin to appear above ground. From this point, keep the soil evenly moist.
How to Grow Ginger Root From Seed
Commercial ginger plants are typically sterile, so growing from seed is not usually possible.
Common Problems With Ginger Root
Ginger root is not known for having any major problems with diseases or pests. But bacterial wilt, which is a common problem for tomato and cucumber plants, is something to be aware of.
Curling or Yellowing Leaves
Bacterial wilt is a known problem with commercial ginger root production, and occasionally it is seen in home growing. Watch out for yellowing leaves on the shoots (usually occurring on the margins at first) that begin to curl. Unfortunately, you will need to pull and destroy infected plants as there is no cure. Keeping your ginger root plants healthy can prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
