Ginger root
 

Has anyone had success in growing ginger root? I wonder if it behaves like other rhyzomes. I am in Louisiana, zone 8b-9a. know to grow it in shade, but during winter I can't take it inside because of my cats. Any suggestions?

Re: Ginger root
 

The culinary ginger plant is probably safe to grow outside in your area if you are in 8b-9 Climate Zone. If you are unsure, plant the rhizome/plant close to your house as you can. I have grown White Butterfly Ginger in pots outside my home in Seattle, WA (Zone 8-8b), and left them outside over the winter and they survived. The leaves would wilt after severely low temps but produce new leaves in the Spring. I haven't had time to do much planting in the last several years, but that was one plant that I've started indoors and planned to plant outside but never got to do it. I start them from left over ginger root pieces that have sprouted on the shelf by dipping it in a rooting medium and placing them in a small jar with 1/4 inch of water. When the leaves are 4-6 inches long, I move them in a gallon pot with regular potting soil in a well lit area of the house. If you plant them in a bigger pot, use a wide shallow pot in well draining soil. If you want to leave them outside or plant them in the ground, plant them as close to the house as possible in the warmest side of your house. Here is a link to some information on growing ginger: https://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/page...planting-guide

Hope this helps.

Chong

Re: Ginger root
 

Ginger is a wonderful plant for a container and for filling in that bare spot in the garden.
I have a few in 3-5 gallon pots.

I am in zone 5/6 so I must bring the pots in the garage or basement for the winter.

The plant will do dormant but will regrow year after year rewarding you with some awesome foliage and flowers.


A soil refresh in your pot will keep your plant happy in the spring.
Bare roots purchased grocery store will grow well also....just scrub them well and plant.
Some gingers are used as a landscape plants in zones 9 and up.

Chongs previous post has a link which is exactly how you plant and care for them...and some great plants to purchase too.

Good luck

Re: Ginger root
 

I grow ginger and tumeric, live about an hour North of Atlanta. I don't try to overwinter it outside, but even within one season the happiest plants flower, and I have plenty to harvest at first freeze. I used to live in Gainesville FL and wild ginger did fine there (even with occasional freezes). I suspect you'll be fine in your area, worst case throw some loose hay over the ground as insulation if you get a hard freeze. It'll die back to the ground, but come back no problem.

Re: Ginger root
 

Thanks everyone! Great advice, and lots of good information :)