Growing Ginger

Zingiber Officinale : Zingiberaceae / the ginger family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Plant pieces of fresh root showing signs of shoots. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. Reduce water as plant dies back to encourage rhizome growth.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Grow in separate bed

Your comments and tips

20 Jul 19, Ismail (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Try the shongweni farmers market or store stocking local produce
29 Oct 18, Bernadette (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Any supermarket.
30 Sep 18, Omitton (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Actually am from Malawi am in searching of Ginger and Garlic seeds if possible to find it or is there any other way to find it or where can I find it? please contact me 0744720640
26 Sep 18, Annette Kaye (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown ginger successfully for 10 years now. I started when a piece from the supermarket sprouted and so I planted it in the garden. It does extremely well here - in fact it is a pest and grows wild. My question is, the ginger I grow is not as hot as the ginger I buy. It is very mild. Why is that?
13 Oct 18, John (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Your older dried ginger is not as spicy? or are you comparing young ginger which is mild compared to older dried ginger? In Thailand you get dishes with fresh young ginger stir fried as a vegetable as it is nice and mild and not fibrous.
08 Oct 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Never grown it but it might have something to do with the variety or maybe too much water, Do some research on the net about varieties.
20 Sep 18, Rucha (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long does it take for the shoots to emerge from planted rhizome?
03 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you plant at the right time it shouldn't take too long to shoot - 2-3 weeks max - depends on soil temp.
19 Sep 18, jeanneth (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good day where can I buy ginger seeds. Kind regards Jeanneth
04 Sep 18, Mongi Dlamini (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I'm in KwaDukuza, KZN. I need to get seeds or plants to grow in my garden. Please help I will appreciate your help. Thanks
Showing 251 - 260 of 494 comments

Ginger will grow well where you live in Sydney. I grew it for years in the well draining garden beds in the ground, whilst living both at Badgerys Creek and Kurrajong areas. I now successfully grow it in pots in Canberra. Check out you tube for tips on the right shade, moisture and harvest tips. . I recommend watching 2 videos: one from Mark from north Qld ‘self sufficient me,’ & other one: ginger in a cold climate from Curtis Stone, for some skills. Ginger from the supermarket is not likely to grow if it’s not australian, because it is fumigated for import. Best success will be Organic Australian to get you started Be patient with ginger and do not over water it in winter. I didn’t use sand to mix in Sydney because it held too much moisture, so look into that. Vermiculite and perlite are good options, depending on whether in pots or in beds. All references are mentioned in good faith and without sponsorship. Hopefully you’ll find the information more helpful than my few words. Good luck :)

- Kel

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.