Ginger is a wonderful spice that adds flavor and zest to many dishes But did you know that you can easily grow your own ginger plant at home? With just a ginger root from the grocery store, you can grow an endless supply of fresh ginger All you need to know is where to buy ginger root that will sprout and grow.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying and growing ginger root. We’ll look at:
- What to look for when buying ginger root to grow
- The best places to buy ginger for planting
- How to grow ginger after you buy the roots
- Tips to ensure your ginger root sprouts and thrives
So let’s get started and learn all about where to source ginger root to grow this versatile and tasty spice!
What to Look for When Buying Ginger Root to Grow
When selecting ginger root for growing, you want rhizomes that are plump, firm, and unshriveled. Avoid ginger roots with wrinkled skin, moldy spots, or soft spots. The ginger should also feel heavy for its size
Ideally, choose organic ginger rhizomes which have not been treated with chemicals or sprayed. Regular grocery store ginger may be treated to prevent sprouting.
Larger ginger rhizomes will yield larger plants and bigger harvests. However, you can also break large roots into smaller pieces as long as each piece has some growth buds.
Look for knobs or eyes on the ginger root. These are the growth buds from which the new shoots will emerge. More buds means more potential for growing.
Best Places to Buy Ginger for Planting
You have several options when sourcing ginger root for planting:
Purchase Ginger from Local Farmers or Farmers Markets
When in season, fresh ginger root can often be found at farmers markets or local farms. This ginger is likely organic and untreated. The farmers may even be able to advise you on the best ginger for planting.
Buy from a Local Nursery or Garden Center
Many nurseries and garden stores sell ginger rhizomes in the spring intended for planting. This ginger should be sprouting quality and ideal for growing ginger plants.
Order Online from Seed Companies
There are many seed companies that sell ginger rhizomes for propagation. This allows you to shop for specific ginger varieties best suited to your climate.
Some reputable online seed sources for ginger rhizomes are:
- Gurney’s
- Burpee
- Eden Brothers
- Territorial Seed Company
- Mountain Valley Growers
Purchase Ginger from the Grocery Store
Standard ginger roots purchased from the grocery store produce section can also be used for growing ginger. Opt for plump, fresh organic ginger rhizomes for the best chance of sprouting.
Soak grocery store ginger in water overnight before planting to remove any sprout inhibitors.
Growing Ginger After You Buy the Roots
Once you’ve sourced viable ginger rhizomes, it’s time to grow your ginger plant. Follow these steps for planting and caring for your ginger:
Select a site: Ginger needs warm temperatures between 70°F-90°F, filtered sunlight or partial shade, shelter from wind, and rich, moist soil. Plant in garden beds, containers, or grow bags.
Soak rhizomes: Before planting, soak rhizomes in lukewarm water overnight to trigger growth.
Cut rhizomes: Break or cut large rhizomes into smaller 3-6 inch pieces, ensuring each piece has growth buds. Let cut ends dry for 1-2 days before planting.
Plant the rhizomes: Bury the ginger roots 2-4 inches deep and 8-12 inches apart with growth buds facing up. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water and fertilize: Keep soil moist. Fertilize regularly with organic matter or all-purpose fertilizer. Add mulch to retain moisture.
Harvest in 8-10 months: Dig up entire plant after leaves start yellowing. Break off some rhizomes to replant.
Store and use: Refrigerate unpeeled ginger up to 3 weeks. Peel before use. Grate frozen ginger directly into recipes.
Tips for Growing Healthy Ginger Plants
Follow these tips to ensure your ginger rhizomes sprout and grow vigorously:
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Plant ginger in spring after danger of frost. Soil temperature should be at least 75°F.
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Pre-sprout rhizomes indoors for a head start on growth.
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Avoid overwatering before sprouting which can cause rotting.
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Water frequently after sprouting – ginger likes consistent moisture.
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Feed with compost or organic fertilizer to nourish plants.
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Add 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Harvest ginger before first frost. Dig carefully to avoid damaging rhizomes.
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Store freshly harvested ginger properly to maximize shelf life.
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Break off and replant a piece of ginger to keep your ginger patch going year after year.
With the right rhizomes and proper care, you can enjoy an endless bounty of homegrown ginger. Follow these tips on where to find and how to grow ginger root. Soon you’ll have fresh ginger to spice up all your favorite recipes.
How to Care for Ginger Plants
Your ginger plants dont need a whole lot of attention. The biggest thing is just to water them regularly. Ginger likes the soil to be consistently moist, so dont let the soil dry out between waterings. Water when the soil feels dry about 1 inch down (remember, those roots are pretty shallow.)
About once a month, push some compost and/or earthworm castings around the base of your ginger plants to make sure they have plenty of nutrients.
Your ginger plant will push out lots of little leaves above ground, eventually growing as tall as 4 feet. You may notice some roots popping above the soil line—thats normal. You can push some compost over them, or leave them be.
In the fall, the leaves of your plants will start dying off once the temperatures drop into the 50s. The rhizomes should still be nice and protected in the soil. Youll just need to make sure you harvest or pot up your plants before you get freezing temps (32°F).
How to Pre-Sprout Ginger Before Planting
Youll need some supplies to pre-sprout your seed ginger. The great news is you can reuse your indoor seed starting supplies, if you have them.
- GINGER PIECES – Sort through your pieces to select only the best ones for sprouting. You want nice, smooth flesh and a couple eyes with greenish tips. Discard any pieces that are dry and shriveled up. (Again, if youre attempting to sprout ginger from the grocery store, soak it in warm water overnight in case its been sprayed with growth inhibitor.) If youd like, you can chop your pieces into even smaller thumb-sized pieces. “As long as they all have an eye,” Rachael says, “theyll sprout.”
- DRAINING TRAY – You’ll need a tray that has little holes in the bottom so that water can pass through. If you use a non-draining tray, you risk your ginger soaking for too long and rotting.
- NON-DRAINING TRAY – Then you need a non-draining tray that can hold your draining tray and water. These two trays are used to water from the bottom so that the soil can absorb water from the base.
- PLASTIC DOME (optional) – I recommend using a plastic dome to put on top to hold in moisture until your ginger pieces sprout. This dome should be removed the minute you see little sprouts coming from your ginger. You can find success without covering your trays. If you’ve ever bought supplies for seed starting indoors, you probably have a plastic dome lying around already, so you might as well use it.
- GROWING MEDIUM – Any well-draining soil mix will do as a growing medium for your ginger plant babies. My ideal mix is equal parts topsoil, compost, and coarse sand, but you can use a general raised bed garden mix. (The compost and sand are just in there to help with drainage.) If you have earthworm castings on hand, you can mix a little in for a nice nutritional boost. Ginger is a somewhat heavy feeder.
- HEAT MAT – The heat mat will keep your soil so warm that your ginger plant will think it’s growing in the Bahamas.
- GROW LIGHTS – Grow lights will help deliver strong and consistent light to your ginger sprouts.
Once you have all your materials, you’re ready to get growing!
How to Grow Ginger in Containers And Get a Huge Harvest
FAQ
What month do you plant ginger root?
The best planting time is late winter to early spring. Make sure to select a spot where the plants get plenty of light but no direct sun and where they will be protected from the wind. Cut or break up the ginger rhizomes into little pieces that have a couple of growing buds each. Otherwise, just plant the whole thing.
Where do I find ginger root in the grocery store?
Where Can I Find Ginger? Typically, grocery stores will carry ginger in various forms: Fresh — Ginger in its “root” form will be found in a refrigerated area of the produce section. Break off the portion you desire, and store (unpeeled) in your refrigerator or freezer.
How long does root ginger take to grow?
Avoid cold, wind or drafts at all costs. The growing tips at the end of each ‘finger’ of the rhizome will sprout quickly. Long, slim leaves will grow from the end, which look much like sprouting grass. Within eight to ten months, the ginger plant will be fully grown.
How do you grow ginger root?
To grow ginger root, start by obtaining fresh rhizomes from someone who grows ginger or buy them from the shop during early spring. Ensure you select rhizomes that are fresh and plump, with well-developed ‘eyes’ or growth buds.
Where can I buy ginger?
Ginger can be found in the produce section of the grocery store. You can also buy dried and ground ginger in the spices aisle. Pickled ginger is often served with sushi. The spice goes well with dishes that include pumpkin or squash. It’s also the main flavoring ingredient in ginger ale and ginger beer.
Can you grow ginger rhizomes?
Ginger, or Adrak, is a kitchen staple with both culinary and medicinal uses. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor to various dishes and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. To grow ginger, you can use ginger rhizomes, plant them in well-draining soil, and provide partial sunlight.