Growing Ginger

Zingiber Officinale : Zingiberaceae / the ginger family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions

  • Plant pieces of fresh root showing signs of shoots. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. Reduce water as plant dies back to encourage rhizome growth.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Grow in separate bed

Your comments and tips

13 Jul 18, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Ginger can be planted any time after frosts have finished if you have them. It really needs a good growing season so don't plant it in Autumn
06 Jul 18, Pieter Wilken (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Why does my Ginger have a fibrous or stringy center? The rhizomes are a decent size.
26 Jun 18, Meisie Helm (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I plant ginger in Bethlehem Freestate South Africa
12 Jun 18, Andrisa (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I order zingiber officinale root in South Africa?
11 Apr 18, Marieta Fry (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can u grow ginger in a pot in April ?
22 Mar 18, YUSSUF (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
why my ginger fail to grow
12 Mar 18, Andre Bester (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
will ginger grow Hydroponic, what chemical must be used. want to plant in a tonnel
30 Jan 18, Stanley van Der Berg (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
how to plant and when,wild mountain Ginger.
27 Feb 18, Sheena (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Based on my personal experience, any time and just as long as there is an eye or shoot, just stick it in the ground facing up...my have always grown hassle free.
24 Aug 17, Sam (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I purchase ginger direct from the farmers to supply in Durban
Showing 91 - 100 of 150 comments

Ginger will grow well where you live in Sydney. I grew it for years in the well draining garden beds in the ground, whilst living both at Badgerys Creek and Kurrajong areas. I now successfully grow it in pots in Canberra. Check out you tube for tips on the right shade, moisture and harvest tips. . I recommend watching 2 videos: one from Mark from north Qld ‘self sufficient me,’ & other one: ginger in a cold climate from Curtis Stone, for some skills. Ginger from the supermarket is not likely to grow if it’s not australian, because it is fumigated for import. Best success will be Organic Australian to get you started Be patient with ginger and do not over water it in winter. I didn’t use sand to mix in Sydney because it held too much moisture, so look into that. Vermiculite and perlite are good options, depending on whether in pots or in beds. All references are mentioned in good faith and without sponsorship. Hopefully you’ll find the information more helpful than my few words. Good luck :)

- Kel

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.