Native to Asia, ginger is a herbaceous plant rich in vitamins and minerals. Its spicy flavor is ideal for enhancing the taste of dishes and flavoring them. When cold, this tropical perennial needs a minimum heat of 10°C. For this reason it is preferable to grow this rhizome in a pot. That said, learn how to grow ginger successfully to get a bountiful harvest.
Ginger is a vegetable plant, but also a seasoning. Used to flavor dishes, thanks to its spicy taste, this rhizome also has medicinal properties. To reap the benefits of ginger and achieve an organic, bountiful harvest, it is important to successfully grow this Asian plant.
How to grow ginger successfully and get a bountiful harvest?
To grow ginger you need rhizomes, not seeds, because ginger doesn’t produce any. The rhizome is an underground stem that bears roots and aerial stems. To obtain an organic harvest, it is important to choose organic rhizomes, which can be found in health food stores. They have not been treated and therefore can germinate easily. The roots to be planted must be vigorous and not wilted or stunted. Also, choose rhizomes that contain multiple growths. Your harvest will be more abundant.
To grow ginger in pots, it is important to choose a large container that is also deep, to encourage root development. You can opt for a planter, for example, to accommodate up to 3 ginger rhizomes per container. To aid drainage and prevent root rot, place clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot. Then fill 3/4 of the pot with a mixture of 2/3 soil and 1/3 river sand, then flatten slightly.Plant the rhizome flat, without pushing it completely into the soil. Part of the rhizome must remain visible. Then water, being careful not to leave standing water in the pot.
After planting ginger, keep the pot in a sunny , warm room avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. Keep in mind that ginger is a tropical plant that loves heat around 25°C and constant humidity. Moderate watering is recommended if the ginger has not yet developed roots, as even a slight excess could cause the plant to rot . Wait for the first leaves to appear and for the stems to rise before watering the soil more assiduously. In fact, it must not remain dry. However, avoid water stagnation in the saucer or vase.
Homegrown ginger can be subject to mealybug attacks. To avoid this, it is advisable to air the plant as often as possible, as long as it is not cold. To this end, leave your potted plant in the garden or on the terrace for a few hours, especially in summer when it is not cold. In case of a cochineal attack, soak a cotton ball in alcohol and rub the foliage.
When to harvest ginger?
Ginger can be harvested 9-10 months after planting. If you notice that the green parts of the plant are starting to dry out, you can bury the rhizomes to consume them. For a more lemony flavor of ginger, remember to harvest it just 6 months after sowing. .
It is also possible to fragment the collected rhizomes to plant them and obtain a new crop. However, make sure that each rhizome fragment contains at least one shoot. .
That said, by respecting the needs and requirements of ginger, you will be able to grow this spicy plant and obtain a bountiful harvest, even without having a gardener’s thumb.