I picked up an extra large ginger root while at my organic market today. I would like to try my hand at growing my first ever ginger. I looked through this forum for a FAQ or other Newbie thread, but didn't see one. Can someone point me to a good thread for getting started for the first time on growing an edible ginger? I don't even know what the botanical name of this root is ... Anyone? Anyone?
This message was edited Mar 28, 2007 5:06 AM
Newbie Questions
What you purchased was most likely zingiber officinal. This ginger goes dormant in the winter and you do not water during it's dormant period or you will rot it. When it is warm enough and the daylight hours are longer, just about now for us in Florida you can water lightly, do not leave soil soggy. Use a light well draonong mix to pot in and plant your rhizome shallow, just barely cover with soil, water in and only water occasionally afterwards and only as needed even after it sprouts. Grow in bright filtered light with maybe some morning sun but no direct afternoon sun or plant will burn. If you are cutting your rhizome into smaller pieces before planting, allow the adges to dry and callouse over to help avoid rot.
That should get you going and WELCOME to the addictive world of ginger :)
Liz
liz@gingerlandtropicals.com or leneobrien@aol.com
Thank you, Liz. I'm going to cut the rhizome today, let it dry a bit, then put it under a light to start it. I looked at photos in the plant files for zingiber officinal and I noticed that it does not appear as impressive ('pretty') as the non-edible types. Hopefully, that's not a true statement!
Wrighties;
The common edible ginger leaves are smooth dark green and aromatic. Though I've grown them off and on. They rarely bloom for me. I just have enough in pots for cooking along with my herbs collections. Other non-edible types are more exotic. I've ordered some Kahili Ginger from Touch of Nature, inc. These bloom yellow I think, will post pic if it turns out a success.
Thank you, i have one sitting on the counter in my kitchen now, waiting for me to do something with it... now i think i know..thank you thank you .... wrightie...will you post some pictures? is yours growing yet? I'll chop mine up tonight and let it dry
MR, I regret to inform you that I never did plant mine. :~)
I was a little put off by their looks -- I was expecting them to be a wee bit more attractive than the pic's that I'd seen. I'll still grow one, but it looks like you are going to beat me to it.
I'm not worried about how they look I'm going to throw them in a section with what my nurser calls 'verigated ginger' and 'red sister ginger' .. also with elephant ears and black elephant ears and various coleus....basically a screen to cover my neighbors junky looking yard from the driveway. Also there will be quite a few tropical looking plants around as well, I think they will blend nicely. I am just hoping they can compete with all the other vigorous growers in there.