Whether you want to add some flavor to stir-fries or baked goods, ginger has a spicy taste that is unmistakable. While you might be used to sourcing roots from the local store, learning how to grow ginger indoors and enjoying homegrown harvests is far easier than you might think.
Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is native to Maritime Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. As you might imagine, this crop enjoys hot and humid climates, meaning it can adapt well to indoor conditions.
By following a few simple steps, you can cultivate your own supply of fresh ginger even in the smallest of apartments. So, if you want to grow ginger in pots in your kitchen or living room, our comprehensive guide has all the information to help you succeed. And just think, in a matter of months you will be harvesting your first delicious crop.
How to grow ginger indoors
Learning how to grow ginger indoors is sure to elevate your kitchen plant collection. This root vegetable grows in equatorial regions and is only hardy down to zone 9 - think warm and wet rainforest environments. However, indoor cultivation means that anyone, regardless of US hardiness zones, can grow ginger. Here are three simple stages to follow to ensure your plants thrive.
How to get started growing ginger indoors
To start, source a firm, fresh ginger root, like this piece available from Walmart. Look for any rhizomes with visible small buds as these growing points will sprout new green shoots.
Then, cut the roots into one to two-inch sections. You can soak these pieces in a shallow dish of water overnight to speed up the rooting process, but this isn't always necessary.
Next, you want to plant the sections in a pot with good drainage. Use a good quality potting mix, ideally adding some coconut coir or perlite for good aeration and drainage. Coconut coir is available to order from Amazon.
Bury each piece of ginger root just below the surface, keeping the buds facing up. Ginger thrives in bright, indirect light, so avoid positioning the pot on a sunny windowsill or entryway. Somewhere with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Keep the temperature relatively constant, avoiding any extreme fluctuations. Aim for a room temperature above 75°F for the best results.
This stylish ceramic planters come with a matching saucer, helping you to keep an eye on drainage for your indoor plants.
How to care for ginger indoors
Once planted, ginger prefers consistent moisture. Water lightly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogging which will result in root rot. To effectively manage moisture levels, try using a humidity tray, available from Amazon, which can help to mimic a tropical, moist environment in your home.
As the root develops, you will begin to see long, reed-like stems shooting upwards. While growth can be slow at first, given a few months, your ginger should produce several foliage stems.
Ginger plants enjoy rich, fertile soil in their native habitat, and so they respond well to fertilizer. Aim to apply a balanced all-purpose organic feed once per month.
How to harvest ginger
Ginger can be planted indoors at any time of the year and is typically ready to harvest 8 to 10 months after planting. While you can remove smaller chunks earlier than this, it is often better to wait for the rhizome to develop and enjoy a full and fragrant harvest.
When you are ready to do this, lift the entire root. Snip the foliage stems and add these to your compost heap. Next, wash your ginger root and check for signs of rot or mold. The root should feel firm to the touch and produce a spicy aroma. Save a few healthy pieces to replant and begin the whole process again. Doing so will mean that you can enjoy a ginger supply year-round.
Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a sustainable, renewable soil amendment that is good for aeration and drainage for your houseplants.
FAQs
What pests can affect ginger growing indoors?
While ginger is relatively pest-resistant when grown indoors, fungus gnats can occasionally be an issue. Often these are nothing to worry about, but can prove to be a little annoying in the kitchen or living room. If you notice small flying insects around the soil, this could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the pot. Immediately reduce watering and use sticky traps to catch gnats. Sticky gnat traps are available from Amazon.
After harvesting, learn how to store ginger to prolong its shelf life. You might intend to use your supply quickly, adding to curries, soups or smoothies, or, keep some ginger sections in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresher for longer.
