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Last Updated on September 10, 2020 by cmoarz
This being a frugal container gardening and preservation website, It just wouldn’t sit right with me to go and tell you to buy store bought ginger root. No, it’s expensive, and not always as fresh as they claim. So instead I’m going to teach you how to grow ginger root indoors because, well, that’s what we do here on prettyfrugal. Save money, grow food, Preserve said food, And make our neighbors jealous.
1. Choosing your seed root
When choosing your ginger cutting you will be using as the seed, There are a few things you should take into account.
First of all, You don’t want some limp wristed, shriveled up tiny root, You want a nice thicc bumpy boi with smooth skin. That will give you the best results. This indicates it’s nice and fresh and healthy.
2. Preparing your Ginger Root
Go ahead and get a container and fill it with warm water. You should soak your ginger root in this water for at least 12 hours or overnight. While this step isn’t absolutely necessary, It’s definitely not one you want to skip.
By soaking the root, Or really any bulb or root plant, in warm water over night before planting, You give it a huge head start. It will absorb enough water to kick start it’s growth of shoots.
It will probably look up at you and thank you for re-hydrating it’s parched limbs.
3. Planting your prepared Ginger Root
Grab a pot/container that has adequate drainage and fill it with dirt. You don’t need anything too special for this root, It’s a pretty hearty plant. Feel free to mix in all sorts of composts and mulches as you wish. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little.
Take your now very wet ginger root and cut it up, leaving 2-3 bumps per piece. This is very similar to cutting up a seed potato to keep it’s eyes on each piece.
Stick each piece into the container you’ve prepared. They should go about 5 inches deep so its covered, But not too covered. You want to be able to check on it once and a while to make sure it’s taken root and started sprouting properly.
Ginger Root upkeep and care
Ginger loves humidity so you should keep it in a room that you generally keep humid for your other humid loving plants.
If you don’t have one, designate a room/closet or grow tent as a humid room. Just spray some water from a fine mister bottle in the air a few time every day, or buy a humidifier.
As for the ginger itself, It likes to be damp. So while you have your mister out, you should spray the top of the soil a few times every second day.
Be aware that if you ever let your ginger dry out, this will irrevocably damage it to the point where it’s crippled or plain outright dies. It will never recover.
But don’t over do it either, or you will drown it. Just keep the soil moist and not drenching wet and you should be fine.
Just be sure to have proper drainage for your container and it shouldn’t be too difficult to maintain. If you find your finding it hard to get enough drainage, there are several things you can do, such as propping it up onto rocks or gravel, adding more drainage holes etc.
The temperature of the room should be around 75f/24c. It also should not be allowed to sit in direct sunlight. If you have other plants in the room you should use them to give shade to your root, If not, Try to keep it out of direct sunlight. It thrives on the bounce’. (Partial light).
Harvesting your Ginger Root
The beauty of these types of plants is they just keep on giving. Assuming your harvest them correctly, that is. Uncover a bundle of roots, aka a rhizome, and slice a piece off. Make sure to cut off a bit to replant, too.
If you do it right you should expect to have fresh ginger for many many years, truly a generational plant.
Recap
- Choose a thick, lumpy and smooth skinned root for best results.
- Soak your ginger root over night in warm water, for at least 12 hours.
- Cut it up, leaving a few bumps on each piece.
- Plant 5 inches deep, lightly covered.
- Keep the soil moist, and the air humid.
- Stay out of direct sunlight, indirect sunlight is best.
That’s it! you’ve learned How to Grow Ginger Root Indoors!