Ginger care guide
Zingiber officinale
Also known as: Ginger, Young ginger, Leaf ginger
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Ginger
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- It dislikes drought: water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide, going lightly until shoots appear and checking every morning in summer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The rhizomes swell now; water about when the topsoil dries, as a guide, and harvest once the leaves yellow.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Generally out of season, as it is dug before frost; a pot kept indoors is left almost dry, as a guide.
Light and placement for Ginger
Half shade with morning sun and afternoon shade is about right; strong midsummer sun and dryness generally brown the leaf tips, so avoid afternoon sun and mulch the base with straw or leaf mold.
Overwintering Ginger
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
A tropical plant that does not survive winter outdoors: as a guide, dig and harvest it in October or November as the leaves yellow, before frost, and generally start again from fresh seed ginger in spring.
Fertilizing and repotting Ginger
Fertilizer
Plant with a base fertilizer, then from about June, once shoots are up, through September, a small monthly side-dressing with hilling is the usual guide, adding soil each time so the rhizomes stay covered.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Ginger
- Planted into cold soil, the seed ginger rots before it sprouts.
- Summer drought and harsh sun wither the leaves and the rhizomes stay thin.
- Harvested too late, the rhizomes are damaged by frost.
Tips for growing Ginger
- Plant from late April through May, as a guide, once late frosts are past.
- Shoots can take about a month to appear, so be patient.
- Pulled young in summer it is leaf ginger; dug in autumn it is fresh young ginger.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
