Description
Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades.
Ginger Plant Care
Gardeners in colder climates such as ours grow gingers in large flowerpots and move them indoors for the winter. Ginger plants prefer filtered sunlight, warm and humid air, and rich and moist soil. Pot your plant in a shallow but wide pot with pebbles at the bottom for excellent drainage. Soil should be kept damp, but not soaked. Mist regularly. Nutrient rich potting soil with coconut choir and or peat moss, blended with organic compost (like the Urban Seedling Special soil blend!) would work best. Fertilize with vermiculture as stems appear (worm castings – available at Urban Seedling.)
Harvesting and Propagating your Ginger Plant
Ginger is a plant that can be continually harvested and propagated if well cared for. Your plant could grow to be two to three feet tall, with beautiful tropical foliage and bright pink flowers. Rhizomes will only be fully mature after about 8 months. When the foliage dies down in the fall or winter, it is ready. Cut leaves away and use the root raw or cooked. Save some sections with ‘eyes’ for propagation, and start the cycle anew.
Note: Grocery store ginger roots (like potatoes, and other commercially sold root vegetables) are often treated with an inhibitor to prevent sprouting.
