Zingiber officinale
Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiberofficinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger cultivation began in South Asia and has since spread to East Africa and the Caribbean.
Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiberofficinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger cultivation began in South Asia and has since spread to East Africa and the Caribbean.
Bloom time
June
July
Bloom colors
Green
Yellow
Care - Blooming
Blooms yellowish-green flowers that are often fragrant.
Care - Pruning
Little pruning is necessary. In very fertile soil, overgrowth can occur which should be controlled.
Care - Growth
Ginger is not frost tolerant, and needs full sun to partial shade to grow well. In areas where water is limited, make sure to plant Z. officinale in an area that is shady for 1/2 of the day. Plant ginger in pots indoors, or outdoors in a shady site.
Temperature (min)
7
Temperature (max)
40
Sun
Details - Heat
This plant may begin to suffer from the heat if exposed to more than one day when the average daily temperature is above 30°C (86°F). It may suffer irreparable damage when exposed to more than 210 days when the average daily temperature is above 30°C (86°F).
Winter: This plant can suffer irreversible damage and potentially die when the temperature reaches -6.5°C (20 °F) or less.
Winter: This plant can suffer irreversible damage and potentially die when the temperature reaches -6.5°C (20 °F) or less.
Interesting facts
There are over 1,000 species of "gingers" in the family Zingiberaceae, native to India, southeastern Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The most cultivated species is the common ginger, Z. officinale.
Height (min)
()
60Height (max)
()
120Lifetime
Perennial
Harvest time
June
July
Details - Harvesting
Harvest the rhizomes of Z. officinale (Ginger), after the foliage has died back in fall or winter. Dig up the rhizomes and scrub thoroughly with a vegetable brush. Ginger can be preserved by freezing or drying. Dry the ginger by placing the roots in the sun. The dried roots can be stored in a refrigerator or cupboard. Store fresh ginger in a plastic bag in a refrigerator where it should last for several weeks.
Care - Soil irigation
Zingiber grows best in soil that is rich and well-draining. Soil based potting mixes work fine for indoor plants. Water liberally during the growing season, less in winter. Mist plants grown in dry areas.
Water
Fertilizer
Details - Fertilization
Ginger needs fertile soil to flourish. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis during the growing season.
Care - Pest
The best way to propagate ginger is from the rhizomes themselves. Select a rhizome with many branches, or "fingers", and break off each finger to plant separately. Each finger should have atleast 2 nodes that resemble eyes on a potato; they look like miniature horns. Soak the rhizomes in water overnight. Plant the rhizomes in late winter or early spring. In most areas, ginger will need to be grown indoors initially and then moved outdoors. Fill a pot with 3/4 soil and place the rhizomes inside,
Planting density min
295
Planting density max
440
Care - Planting
The rhizomes of Z. officinale are prone to root rot in cold, wet conditions. Refrain from overwatering plants to prevent this from occuring.