Ginger Guide | The Home Garden

What you need to know about growing Ginger, including when and how to plant it.

Soil

What soil is good for Ginger?

Ginger requires deep, sandy loam soil enriched with plenty of well rotted compost. The soil must be well draining as Ginger cannot tolerate waterlogged soils.

Position

How much sun does Ginger need?

Ginger prefers a part sun or a filtered sun position, particularly in hot climates.

Frost Tolerant

Is Ginger frost tolerant?

No, Ginger is not frost tolerant.

Spacing

How much space does Ginger need?

Plant Ginger 25-30cm apart.

Planting

When should I plant Ginger?

Ginger is a warm season crop. Ginger rhizomes are usually planted out in spring once the soil has warmed to at least 20°C (68°F).

Feeding

What do I feed Ginger?

Fertilise throughout the season with an organic fertiliser. Mulch the soil well to retain moisture.

Harvesting

When can I harvest Ginger?

You can harvest young Ginger roughly 4-6 months after it has sprouted. At this time you will generally see small side shoots coming off the main plant which is an indication that new rhizomes have formed. Harvest by gently moving the soil away from around the plant to expose the rhizomes, break off small pieces as needed.

Mature Ginger is harvested when the plant begins to die back in late autumn or winter, at least 10 months after planting. Ensure that your Ginger has been harvested before the first frost.