Ginger

Zingiberaceae · Zingiber officinale

Characteristics

Perennial

The basics

Position: Part shade, Full sun

Position

Sowing Seeds

Maturity 120 to 160 days

Care

Ginger plants may die back in autumn. When the leaves start to yellow and die, harvest the crop or cut plants back just above ground level. If rhizomes become crowded, lift them in spring, break them into smaller pieces and replant.

Feed

Ginger will benefit from the addition of a complete fertilizer as well as phosphorous, calcium and organic matter prior to planting. During the growing season, additional fertilizer can be applied as a side dressing. The side dressing should be made 25 to 30 cm (10-12 in) from the row of plants due to ginger being easily damaged by fertilizer applications. Side dressings should be made every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season to ensure the ginger is suppied with adequate nutrients.

Harvest

When to harvest: Harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die.

Ginger has a tendency to grow horizontally and the soil can be hilled around the growing stems to force a more vertical growth habit. Soil should be hilled 3 to 5 times during the growing season. Any exposed rhizomes should be covered with soil.

Rhizomes are ready to harvest when they are large enough to eat, and can be harvested as needed, or all at once at the end of the season. Harvest individual rhizomes by gently digging to unearth them from the soil. Shake off any excess soil and cut the stems 1-2cm above the top of the rhizome. To harvest whole plants, wait until the foliage begins to yellow and die back, then lift the entire plant from the ground. Remove excess soil and trim stems as described above.

After harvest, the ginger should be cured for 3 to 5 days to prevent the development of mildew on the rhizomes.

Storage:

Ginger can be stored short term at room temperature or in an air-tight container in the fridge. Store ginger unpeeled. For longer term storage, ginger can be peeled and frozen, pickled, candied or dried.

Propagation

Cut 2.5cm piece of rhizome with at least 2 eyes. Leave it for a few days to heal wounds. Place in spaghnum moss or coconut fibre and cover, transplant when roots and shoots develop.

Edit · New entry