Ginger originates from South Asia, so in our temperate climates, its root won’t fully mature because it requires humidity and high temperatures. Ideal conditions for ginger can be created indoors. You can grow ginger in a pot on your windowsill.
Ginger originates from South Asia, so in our temperate climates, its root won’t fully mature because it requires humidity and high temperatures. You can create ideal conditions for ginger in a pot on a windowsill.
In fact, the root is not actually a root—it’s an underground stem. If you’re interested in harvesting ginger, you’ll need to grow it as an annual. But as a decorative plant, it can thrive for several years, providing joy.
How to Grow Ginger
Ginger loves: Partial shade, humidity, fertile soil.
Ginger dislikes: Low temperatures, drafts, direct sunlight, waterlogging.
For planting, choose a fresh, shiny ginger root with live buds. Soak the root in warm water for a few hours to awaken the buds. Use a pot that is wide and shallow, such as one designed for cacti arrangements. Any “bald” spaces can be filled with decorative grass or covered with colored gravel.
Soak the ginger in water before planting.
The soil for ginger should be nutrient-rich, high in phosphorus, and well-drained—ginger cannot tolerate soggy conditions. The root doesn’t need to be planted deeply; in this case, it should be regularly misted. In a shaded spot, ginger will start to sprout in about a month to a month and a half. While the shoots are emerging, you can cover the pot with plastic wrap. Once the shoots begin to grow, start misting them. To ensure the root accumulates beneficial nutrients, ginger should be fertilized with mineral fertilizer.
Ginger growing in a pot
If you’re aiming for a harvest, cut the ginger root into smaller pieces before planting, ensuring each piece has a bud (similar to preparing potato seed pieces for planting), and plant them. The root system will spread outward. For decorative purposes, it’s better to plant the entire root to create denser growth. There’s even a
YouTube channel
entirely dedicated to growing ginger.
By the time the first frosts arrive, ginger’s biological clock may cause it to shed its leaves. At this point, you can safely harvest the crop or move the pot to a cool, dark place until the first spring sunlight. However, ginger can continue growing even during winter.
