Herb · Root & Rhizome Herb
Ginger
Zingiber officinale
A slow-growing tropical herb grown for its aromatic underground rhizome, started from a piece of store-bought or nursery root. Prefers warmth, Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air, usually given as a percentage of the maximum the air could hold at that temperature., and dappled light rather than harsh full sun.
At a glance
Water
Medium
24–36 fl oz/wk
Light
Partial sun
2–5 hrs/day
Space
Medium
12 in
To maturity
240–300 days
Edible parts: Rhizome
Family: Ginger
Includes ginger and turmeric. Grown for aromatic underground rhizomes rather than seed or fruit.
Harvest
Dig a portion of the rhizome any time after about 4 months for milder “baby” ginger, or wait 8-10 months and let the foliage die back for mature, more pungent root.
Growing conditions
- Temperature
- 70–85 °F
- Soil pH
- 5.5–6.5
- Soil type
- Loose, loamy, well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Climate
- Tropical; wants sustained warmth and humidity, and stops growing below about 50°F.
- Growing season
- Start indoors in late winter and move outside (or into a warm spot) once temperatures are reliably above 60°F.
- Nitrogen
- Medium (≈30–60 ppm)
- Humidity
- High (≈50–70 %)
- Planting unit
- Division
- Feeding schedule
- Feed lightly every few weeks during active growth; ease off as foliage begins to yellow and die back before harvest.
- Pest resistance
- Moderate - watch for root rot in waterlogged soil more than insect pests
- Pruning
- None required.
Where it grows
- Container / PotIdeal— Wide, shallow container at least 12in in diameter.
- In-Ground GardenPossible— Only in frost-free, tropical to subtropical climates.
- Raised BedPossible— Workable in warm climates with a long enough season.
- WindowsillPossible— Tolerates lower light better than most edibles, given its partial-shade preference.
- HydroponicNot recommended— Rhizome growth doesn't suit standard hydroponic systems.
- Vertical / TrellisNot recommended— No climbing or vining habit.
Companions & antagonists
No known companion pairings yet.