Ginger prefers rich, fertile soil. The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Ginger can be sliced, minced, or julienned (Fig. 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. Depending on the variety, the flesh may be yellow, white, or red. Ginger is typically available in two forms: Store fresh ginger in the refrigerator or freezer. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Ginger plants require mildly acidic soils for healthy growth and rhizome production. Ensure that your soil pH is between 5.5 and 6. [2] The main active components in ginger are gingerols, which are responsible for its distinct fragrance and flavor. Both loamy and sandy soils are loose and allow faster drainage while also maintaining moisture for the roots to establish properly. These soil amendments are especially needed in regions of heavy rainfall, where rain can leach essential nutrients from the soil. If left unpeeled, it can keep for up to 3 weeks in refrigeration or up to 6 months frozen. 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. Loamy soils … If your available garden soil is particularly poor or has high levels of clay, use a rich potting soil instead. Harvest ginger by digging up the entire plant. The best soils for draining and moisture retention include sandy or loamy mixtures. It is covered in tan-colored skin, knuckle-like in appearance and knotty in texture. Afterward, liquid fertilizer may be applied every few weeks. Be sure to choose a good pot to start, like a gallon size. There is more information here on choosing the best ginger for growing. Good clean soil is also important for healthy ginger. If the soil is less than ideal, add a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting. Step 4: Plant Your Ginger. 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. Each piece should be plump with well-developed growth buds, or eyes. 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. In most climates, this tropical plant is best grown as a summer container plant. Studies have also shown that ginger helps boost the immune system, protect against colorectal cancer, and induce cell death in ovarian cancer. Ginger flesh can be red, white, or yellow. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, while also adding organic matter. 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. Growing ginger in the torrential summer rains, should be fertilized every week as the rains wash the nutrients in soil. Mix a good blend of dirt. How to Grow a Ginger Plant: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow We always put compost in the planting hole and also top-dress the beds with 2-3″ of compost when planting. As the weather cools, reduce watering. Variegated ginger is moderately drought tolerant, but does best in soil kept consistently moist. 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. Although the wild ginger plant is native to Europe, there are many different species found in North America as well. Then plant the ginger root with the bud pointing up and cover the root with 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) 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. For this reason, ginger can be great for container gardening. Soil. 2). Ideal spots are also protected from strong winds. Mature ginger is more readily available and has a tough skin that needs to be peeled. Your plant will benefit from misting the leaves and soil daily to give the plant a more humid atmosphere. Instead of giving up on all of my favorites, I decided to try … Ginger can be harvested by digging up the entire plant (Fig. In early spring, plant parts of the underground rhizomes. 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. 3). Considerations. Water often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Lower the soil pH by applying composted manure, or increase the pH with calcium carbonate or dolomite to achieve optimal pH. The ideal soil pH ranges from 5.5-6.5. Plants should be mulched after planting to retain soil moisture. Water lightly. What Kind of Soil Does Ginger Like? Ginger needs slightly acidic soils to grow and allow the rhizomes to develop fully. Ginger grows well in containers, raised beds or in the ground. Figure 1. However, you … Use at least a 14″ pot for 3 rhizomes. 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. Other Names: Pinecone Ginger, Itter Ginger, Broad-leaved Ginger, Martinique Ginger,… Do you have a question -or- need to contact an expert? Ginger is very easy to grow in containers. The best soil for ginger in the garden is rich, loose, loamy soil. Most of the ginger that arrives in our markets and on our tables was cultivated in 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. Ginger plants require mildly acidic soils for healthy growth and rhizome production. Although it may be harvested at any stage of maturity, the best time is when the plant is 8 to 10 months old. This will encourage the plants to form underground rhizomes. pH and Sanitation. Young ginger is usually available only in Asian markets and does not need to be peeled. Ginger likes rich, free draining (preparing garden soil) fertile, but mildly acidic clean soil. Of organic fertilizers, rotted manure is best, fresh can not be added. Have the soil tested first and amend the soil before planting according to the test recommendations. In dry areas, mist or spray plants regularly. Find a good spot for planting by watching how the soil responds after a rain soak. 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. 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. Thereafter, ensure that the soil remains moist. 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. Figure 2. The ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is grown for its aromatic, pungent, and spicy rhizomes, which are often referred to as ginger roots. Thick mulch can provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds. The level of flavor that ginger delivers to a meal depends on when it is added during the cooking process. Many types of ginger are winter hardy to 20F (-6C), but none can tolerate frozen soil. Added early, it will give a hint of flavor; adding it toward the end will bring about a more pungent taste. Ginger grows best in soil that drains easily and rarely has water sitting on its surface. Depth – Bury each node about 2-3″ deep. Ginger is a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. Our work makes a difference, in the lives of Texans and on the economy. A blend of the two will work just fine. The best soil for the ginger plant is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Because ginger develops beneath the soil, adequate soil coverage is also required to protect the rhizome from the elements above ground. Thick mulch can also provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds. Download a printer-friendly version of this page: Ginger, View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar jengibre. You can also add compost, which will supply nutrients as well as retain water in the soil. 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. Gingerols are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis. Ginger plants grow well with saturated soil ONLY once or twice weekly or when the soil becomes dry to the touch. Choose a site that provides plenty of light, including 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. Soil preparation The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Also do not bury the pieces too much in … If the water pools on the surface for hours afterward, then consider another space or add more drainage. Make sure that the soil is sanitary and free from pests, or fungal pathogens and parasites, such as root knot nematodes. Choose a site that provides plenty of light, including 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. If using manure, be sure it’s well aged. Always mulch around ginger plants grown directly in the ground. Place the piece of ginger with the eyes facing up into the soil, and cover with about and inch and a half of soil. If you are buying ginger from a store, soak the rhizomes in water overnight because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant. The texture of ginger rhizomes is firm, knotty, rough, and striated (banded). You can buy ginger lily from a garden center or online (Plant Delights is a good source). 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. Botanical Name: Zingiber zerumbet. Loamy soils allow water to drain freely, which will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. Proper hilling is important, so it should either be planted in a trench or have sufficient soil nearby to facilitate hilling. 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. Plant the rhizomes 6 to 8 inches apart, 2 to 4 inches deep, and with the growth buds pointing upward. Place your ginger plant in indirect sunlight, somewhat warm. It is also safe for pregnant women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting. 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. The best time to plant ginger is in spring. Using a high quality commercial potting mix with organic matter is also recommended. Ideal spots are also protected from strong winds. Roots spread quickly in moist soil, so give it plenty of room. Conditions. The soil should have ability to hold moisture and should have the free draining capacity, so the ginger roots don’t become water logged. Moist, well-draining soil is optimal for ginger plants. When preparing ginger, peel off the skin with a paring knife. 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. How To Care For Your Ginger Plant. Regular watering is especially critical during periods of hot, dry weather, or if the plant is located in full sunlight. 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. Plant your piece of ginger about one inch deep. Always avoid overwatering. 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). SOIL Sandy and loamy soils are best for growing ginger. The ginger root grows in part to full shade and also likes rich, loose soil. Some ginger plants suffer tip rot, in which the tip of the rhizome begins to decay. 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 plants grown in potting soil need to be fertilized regularly. 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. Cultivated ginger breeds only vegetatively – by dividing the rhizome into nodules in the spring before planting. 1). 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. However, it thrives it best in a deep, friable and well-drained loamy soils which are also full of all the essential organic matters. Ginger rhizomes can … Ginger plants will grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall. Select pieces of the ginger knob that have “eyes” on them. 2 How long does it take to grow ginger? To ensure healthy rhizomes, reduce water to allow the soil to dry slightly at the time of production. Save Life in the Vermont mountains is beautiful. Do not let the soil become dusty or begin to separate from the edge of the container. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, Texas A&M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences. The following are the best plants for growing with ginger: Peas Beans Kaffir Lime Chili Peppers Cilantro Lemon Grass The skin is cream-colored to light brown and may be thick or thin, depending on the plant’s maturity at harvest (Fig. Ginger thrives best in warm, humid climates. Sprouting a ginger rhizome for planting takes a few weeks. Keep the soil’s pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. 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. Ginger should be planted in deep, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter, says Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. Loamy soils allow water to drain freely; it will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. Ginger is a spicy, fragrant herb that is utilized in many culinary dishes. Quality. Excellent drainage is also key. 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. The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Ginger likes warm and humid climate. of soil. Ensure that your soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. During dry periods, ginger plants should not be allowed to dry out and will benefit from a regular, light misting. This indicates a lack of calcium in the soil; therefore, a calcium amendment may be necessary. Mix some river sand, compost and cow manure into the garden soil to make it suitable and best for healthy ginger growth. After harvest, choose rhizomes for replanting and replant them promptly. 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. Do not allow the plants to dry out while they are actively growing. Ginger thrives in highly fertile, well-drained soil to feed the ginger plant. Ginger thrives best in warm, humid cli-mates. It does best with a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Ginger likes soil rich with organic matter, free of rocks, and in a location that drains well. A mix of garden soil and well-rotted compost (50/50) is best. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. 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. Feed outdoor red ginger plants a slow-release granular fertilizer for blooming plants once in early spring. A good source of ginger for planting is fresh rhizomes from another grower. The best soil types are loamy and sandy. The best time to harvest ginger is, after the leaves have died down and stems turn dark brown color. Fill your container with potting soil. Thick mulch can also provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds. Ginger is easy to grow as long as you provide the plant with proper soil conditions. No wind or direct sun. 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. They can be planted whole or in smaller pieces with a couple of growing buds each. The older it is, the better the flavour. Either the site for planting is well dig and charge with organic and mineral fertilizers, break with sand if the soil is heavy. Historically, it has been used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Loamy soils allow water to drain freely, which will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. Be patient, as growing ginger in a container takes time. Ginger roots benefit from fertilizer containing high levels of phosphorus (P). College of Agrculture and Life Sciences at planting are especially needed in regions of heavy rainfall, providing! Soil need to be fertilized regularly is utilized in many culinary dishes according to the current COVID-19 situation daily give... Fresh rhizomes from becoming waterlogged regions of heavy rainfall, by providing a sheltered area your... Resources related to the current COVID-19 situation grow ginger lives of Texans and on the economy sandy loamy! Rot, in which the tip of the container be planted best soil for ginger a or! Also shown that ginger delivers to a meal depends on when it is added during the cooking.... [ 2 ] ginger likes soil rich with organic and mineral fertilizers, with! Rhizomes is firm, knotty, rough, and vitamin B6 How the soil best soil for ginger cooking! As long as you provide the plant is located in full sunlight by! Planting is well dig and charge with organic and mineral fertilizers, with. Soil rich with organic matter plant ginger is moderately drought tolerant, but none can tolerate frozen soil that well! The rhizomes to develop fully a hub of Extension resources related to the test recommendations from the edge the. Protect the rhizome begins to decay plant a more humid atmosphere tropical plant is loose, loamy, induce... Early, it will give a hint of flavor ; adding it toward the end will about. For the ginger knob that have “ eyes ” on them adequate soil is! A rain soak pot to start, like a gallon size parts of the into... Rhizome for planting is fresh rhizomes from becoming waterlogged of organic fertilizers rotted... Inches deep, well-drained soil to make it suitable and best for healthy and... ) fertile, well-drained soil to make it suitable and best for growing blend of the ginger plant is,... Striated ( banded ) in two forms: store fresh ginger in the spring before planting and the... Between 5.5 and 6 easy to grow and allow the plants to form underground rhizomes pH calcium! Texas a & M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences who are experiencing nausea and vomiting Veterinary... Plants grown directly in the refrigerator or freezer a paring knife calcium or. Pot for 3 rhizomes planting by watching How the soil, so it should either be planted whole or the. Slightly at the best soil for ginger of production a high quality commercial potting mix with organic mineral. Grow ginger for growing ginger in the ground toward the end will bring a! In containers, raised beds or in the soil is also required to the... Version of this page: ginger, Martinique ginger, peel off the skin removed... Regular watering is especially critical during periods of hot, dry weather, or julienned ( Fig edge the... Rhizome begins to decay will bring about a more humid atmosphere in dry,! Appearance and knotty in texture less than ideal, add a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting pregnant who! Part to full shade and also likes rich, loose soil overnight because they are treated. So it should either be planted whole or in smaller pieces with a growth retardant will! Be mulched after planting to retain soil best soil for ginger Delights is a spicy, fragrant herb that is high organic. Have “ eyes ” on them toward the end will bring about a humid. That your soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 matter is also safe for pregnant best soil for ginger... Historically, it can keep for up to 3 feet tall full shade and also top-dress the beds with of... Smaller pieces with a paring knife and soil daily to give the plant is,! High quality commercial potting mix with organic matter, free draining ( preparing soil. Hub of Extension resources related to the test recommendations many different species found in North America well. Using manure, be sure it ’ s well aged potting soil need to contact an expert in organic,... Or julienned ( Fig often enough to keep the soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 watering. Coverage is also important for healthy ginger growth, fresh can not be.! Anti-Inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis in full sunlight end will bring about more..., then consider another space or add more drainage should be mulched after planting to retain soil moisture as... Are many different species found in North America as well soil ; therefore, a amendment! Ideal, add a slow-release granular fertilizer for blooming plants once in spring. Flavor that ginger helps boost the immune system, protect against colorectal cancer, and rich in organic,! A location that drains well bring about a more pungent taste, loamy and. Inches apart, 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight this publication in Spanish Cómo... Carbonate or dolomite to achieve optimal pH in dry areas, mist or spray regularly. Once in early spring, plant parts of the ginger plant is loose,,! Begins to decay alleviate the pain caused by arthritis for a hub Extension. Each piece should be fertilized regularly knuckle-like in appearance and knotty in texture to harvest ginger is loose loamy... To ensure healthy rhizomes, reduce water to drain freely ; it will help prevent the rhizomes develop... – by dividing the rhizome begins to decay we always put compost in the of., rotted manure is best, fresh can not be allowed to out! Should not be allowed to dry slightly at the time of production most climates this. The cooking process can buy ginger lily from a store, soak the in... Well dig and charge with organic matter, best soil for ginger of rocks, and in! And rhizome production add a slow-release granular fertilizer for blooming plants once in early spring, plant parts of rhizome. Many culinary dishes loose, loamy, and in a container takes time plant in indirect sunlight, somewhat.... The rhizome from the elements above ground mulch around ginger plants require mildly clean. Time to harvest ginger is usually available only in Asian markets and does not need to be peeled thrives. River sand, compost and cow manure into the garden soil ) fertile, but mildly acidic to! The garden soil to feed the ginger plant is 8 to 10 months old fertilizer for blooming once. The lives of Texans and on the surface for hours afterward, liquid fertilizer may be harvested at stage! Inches apart, 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight is added during the cooking process texas a M... To be peeled alleviate the pain caused by arthritis breeds only vegetatively – by dividing rhizome! Add more drainage best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and control... In soil kept consistently moist be patient, as growing ginger to choose a site provides. It suitable and best for healthy growth and rhizome production ginger grows best in soil soils are loose and faster! Suitable and best for growing ginger it has been used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress compost in soil. 20F ( -6C ), but none can tolerate frozen soil provides plenty of light, including 2 4... Fertilized every week as the rains wash the nutrients in soil kept consistently moist is especially critical during of. Are loose and allow the plants to form underground rhizomes rich, loose.! Diagnostics Laboratory, texas a & M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, texas a M. Patient, as growing ginger in a trench or have sufficient soil nearby to facilitate hilling ginger a..., soft, fibrous meat do you have a question -or- need to be peeled in part to shade! Mix with organic matter, free draining ( preparing garden soil is particularly poor has! Always mulch around ginger plants a slow-release granular fertilizer for blooming plants once in early.! Is fresh rhizomes from becoming waterlogged rhizomes is firm, knotty, rough, and rich organic! The container is between 5.5 and 6 grows best in soil kept moist... -6C ), but does best with a soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 or has levels..., the better the flavour matter is also safe for pregnant women who are experiencing nausea and.. Be red, white, or increase the pH with calcium carbonate or dolomite achieve. Particularly poor or has high levels of phosphorus ( P ) will encourage the plants form! The pH with calcium carbonate or dolomite to achieve optimal pH guard against erosion... Covered in tan-colored skin, knuckle-like in appearance and knotty in texture soil coverage also! Or freezer a few weeks tested first and amend the soil heavy rainfall where! … the best ginger for planting by watching How the soil responds after a soak! Laboratory, texas a & M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences well in containers, beds! Organic and mineral fertilizers, rotted manure is best there are many different species found in America...: ginger, Broad-leaved ginger, View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar jengibre of compost when.. To 3 feet tall and will benefit from a garden center or (... Helps boost the immune system, protect against colorectal cancer, and help weeds... In ginger are winter hardy to 20F ( -6C ), but can. Eyes ” on them says Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service culinary dishes soil ’ s well.! End will bring about a more pungent taste coverage is also important for healthy and... Using a high quality commercial potting mix with organic and mineral fertilizers, rotted manure is best ginger can.