Ginger
Zingiber officinale
herbGinger is a tropical rhizome grown for its pungent, warmly spicy, citrus-edged root used fresh, dried, or in tea. Grown from a piece of plump rhizome, it forms a clump of reed-like leaves and needs a long, warm, humid season, so most US gardeners grow it in containers or as tender baby ginger.
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Sun
partial shade
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~240 days
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
tender perennial
Perennial in warm zones; grown as an annual where winters freeze
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Spacing
6-8 in. apart
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Planting Depth
Rhizome 2-4 in. deep, buds up
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Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, loose, loamy
Hardiness Zones
Zones 8 – 13
When to Fertilize
Monthly through the growing season
Fertilizer
Balanced or compost; rich feeder
🌱 Growing Guide
Presprout plump rhizome pieces with visible buds indoors in late winter, then plant them 2 to 4 inches deep with the buds facing up once soil warms past 60F. Ginger wants rich, loose soil, dappled shade in hot regions, and steady moisture, never soggy. Hill soil over the spreading pink rhizomes as they grow, like potatoes, and feed monthly. In cool climates grow it in a pot and bring it in before frost.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
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Transplant outdoors
May 13
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Projected first harvest
Jan 8
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Lemongrass — Shares the same warm, moist, partly shaded tropical conditions
- Pepper — Enjoys the same warmth while leaving the shaded ground to ginger
- Turmeric — A close relative with identical needs, easy to grow alongside
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Plant in well-drained soil, never let it stay waterlogged, and use fresh disease-free rhizomes
Most likely on indoor plants in dry air; raise humidity and rinse the foliage
Hose off colonies and support ladybugs and lacewings
🌾 Harvest & storage
Dig tender baby ginger after four to six months, or wait eight to ten months for mature, fibrous rhizomes once the leaves yellow and die back. Snap off what you need and replant a bud to keep a plant going; fresh ginger freezes well.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Ginger is rich in gingerol, an antioxidant compound long used to ease nausea, motion sickness, and digestion.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.