GINGER (Zingiber officinale) - 4968-

• What plant is it?

A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Far East.

• How is it grown?

The best time to start growing ginger is from late winter to early summer.

Ginger grows well in well-drained, high-quality soil; it prefers partially shaded areas or areas exposed to morning sun only, away from large roots of other plants. If growing ginger in a pot, choose one at least 30 cm deep, with holes in the base to allow for adequate water drainage.

Plant each rhizome 5-10 cm deep, making sure the soil is loose and the shoots are pointing upward. Space them about 20 cm apart. Immediately after planting, lightly water the soil. Check it daily and water only just before it dries out completely. In late summer or early autumn, when temperatures drop, the ginger stems turn yellow. Reduce watering during this period and stop completely when the stems die back. Ginger takes on a much stronger flavor if left to grow in soil. Once the stems have died and at least 8 months have passed after planting, the rhizome can be removed.

Young ginger can be harvested as early as 3-4 months after planting, usually for pickling.

During the summer, grow ginger on the balcony, while in the winter months, bring the pots indoors.