ginger (Zingiber officinale)
common ginger
- 1 tuber
- £6.99
- available to order from winter
Delivery options
- Bulbs (only) £4.95
- Position: partial shade
- Soil:moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: August to November
- Hardiness: frost tender (will need winter protection)
Originating from Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, and India, ginger ranks among the most widely used spices globally, deriving from the underground stem of the ginger plant. This aromatic and piquant spice has long been a distinctive element in Asian cuisine, dating back to ancient times. In contemporary settings, ginger finds widespread application in medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic contexts around the world. The ginger plant has lance-shaped leaves that extend up to 20cm (8in) in length and taper to a fine point. Its flowers form a dense, elliptic spike, situated about 25cm (10in) above the rhizome. The large oblong-ovate lips of the flowers exhibit shades of purple with yellow spots and stripes, emerging from yellowish-green bracts.
If using containers, choose a wide, shallow pot with good drainage. Ensure the soil is well-drained and mix potting soil with compost for container gardening. Plant ginger rhizomes 5-10cm deep with eyes facing upward, leaving enough space in containers for spreading. Keep the soil consistently moist, avoiding waterlogging, especially in the beginning. In cooler climates, grow ginger in containers for easy indoor relocation during colder months. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Harvest when leaves turn yellow by gently digging around the rhizomes, allowing the rest to continue growing.
- Humans/Pets: Skin irritant