Plant field guide
Ginger
Tropical spice plant that produces pungent, aromatic rhizomes used worldwide. Can be grown in containers in any climate.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Zingiber officinale
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- high
- Height
- 24 in (61 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 18 in (46 cm)
- Spacing
- 12 in (30 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 8–12; average annual extreme minimum from 10°F (-12.2°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: no calendar months recorded.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Plant rhizomes from the grocery store in spring. Needs warmth and humidity. Harvest after 8-10 months.
Pruning
No pruning needed. Harvest rhizomes when leaves begin to yellow.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer
Monthly during growing season
Mulch
Heavy organic mulch to retain moisture.