Zingiber

The true ginger genus is a tender herbaceous perennial from southwest China.  They are a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) with at least 140 species. In their native habitat, they are found in tropical and subtropical forests that are humid and partially shaded.  The genus name is based on the Greek word, zingiveris, for ginger which was derived from the Sanskrit name, srngavera.

Ginger prefers a soil temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and air temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  They require 8-10 months to harvest but can be grown in containers where the growing season is shorter.  They will grow 2 – 6 feet shoots again if they are kept warm and in a bright spot during winter dormancy.   Ginger prefers hot, humid conditions, rich organic matter, moist soil, and 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight.  Add fertilizer during the growing period if the soil is not rich enough.  Plant them 6” to 8” apart close to the surface to expose the rhizome growth buds.  If planted outdoors, carefully dig them up before it gets too cold and replant them when the temperature allows.  You can harvest the ginger prior to 8-10 months. They will be more tender with thinner skins and not as shelf-stable as mature ginger.  Replant the rhizome pieces that you do not use.

Propagate ginger by dividing the rhizomes with at least two eyes per section.  For the best results, purchase them from a plant nursery, or buy organic ginger at the grocery store.  If they do not have sprouts yet, leave them on the counter in the sun.  Soak grocery store ginger in warm water overnight to develop sprouts. Let the cuts develop a callus before planting.  Water lightly until shoots appear.

They are used in medicine, food, and cosmetics.  Traditional Chinese and Asian medicine literature indicates that they have been used to relieve cough, cold, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, diabetes, and constipation.  There are also prescription oral treatments with ginger to treat coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease and enteritis.  Hawaiians have historically used ginger to treat headaches, toothaches, ringworms, arthralgia, sprains, and stomach aches.  Many countries use it daily in their diets as a spice and health supplement. Some have fast-growing Inflorescences used in flower arrangements.

Ginger can be planted as a specimen in a tropical garden.  They can be grown in containers on the patio and brought inside for winter.  In tropical climates, they can be placed in an edible, cutting, and water garden.  They can become weedy if they are not harvested every few years.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems.  Taller plants should be protected from windy conditions.  The rhizomes are susceptible to bacterial and fungal rot in cold and wet locations.  Leaf spot and viral diseases can affect the foliage.