How to Grow Ginger Indoors and Outdoors: A Guide for Zone 5b and Beyond

How to Grow Ginger Indoors and Outdoors: A Comprehensive Guide for Zone 5b and Beyond

Ginger is a tropical plant that can be successfully grown indoors and outdoors, even in cooler climates like our growing Zone 5b in Canada. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown ginger, even with a short growing season. This guide will walk you through the process of starting ginger indoors, choosing the right container, transitioning it outdoors, and growing ginger in other zones.

Starting ginger indoors: the basics

Growing ginger indoors is a great way to get a head start, especially in climates with short growing seasons. Ginger requires 10–12 months to fully mature, making it challenging to grow in regions with short summers. Starting ginger indoors allows the plant to establish strong roots and foliage before being transplanted outdoors after the last frost. This method ensures a healthy, productive plant that can thrive even in cooler climates.

Step 1: Selecting the perfect ginger rhizome

The first step in growing ginger is choosing the right rhizome. Here’s what to look for:

• Where to buy: Organic ginger from the grocery store works well. Organic options are less likely to be treated with growth inhibitors.
• What to look for: Choose plump, firm rhizomes with smooth skin. Avoid dry or shrivelled pieces. Look for rhizomes with visible “eyes” or growth buds. These are small, knobby protrusions that will sprout into new shoots.
• Soak the ginger rhizome in water overnight before planting. This helps hydrate the root and remove any growth inhibitors.

Step 2: Preparing the ginger for planting

After soaking, you can prepare the ginger for planting. If the rhizome is large, cut it into smaller sections, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye.” These eyes are the growth points that will develop into new stems.

Step 3: Choosing the perfect container

Ginger grows horizontally rather than vertically, so selecting the right container is crucial for its success. Here’s what you need to know:

• Size: A container that is at least 12 inches wide and 6-10 inches deep is ideal. Ginger needs space to spread out, so a wide, shallow container works best.
• Material: Both wood and plastic containers can work, but each has its pros and cons:
  • Wood: Wooden containers are breathable and help regulate moisture, which is beneficial for ginger. However, they may degrade over time if exposed to constant moisture.
  • Plastic: Plastic containers are lightweight, durable, and retain moisture well. They are a great option if you want a low maintenance container.
• Drainage: Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent water logging, which can lead to root rot.
• Some gardeners use grow bags, which are breathable and allow for excellent drainage. A 10-gallon grow bag is a great size for ginger.

Step 4: Preparing the soil

Ginger thrives in nutrient rich, well draining soil. Here’s how to prepare the perfect mix:

• Use a combination of potting soil, compost, and perlite or sand.
• The compost provides organic matter and nutrients, while the perlite or sand ensures proper drainage.

Step 5: Planting your ginger

Now it’s time to plant your ginger! Follow these steps:

1. Fill the container with your prepared soil mix.
2. Plant the ginger rhizome 2–4 inches deep with the “eyes” facing upward.
3. If planting multiple pieces in the same container, space them about 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
4. Lightly water the soil after planting.

Step 6: Creating the ideal indoor environment

Ginger is a tropical plant, so it thrives in warm, humid conditions. Here’s how to create the perfect environment indoors:

• Temperature: Keep the temperature between 21–29°C (70–85°F). Place the container in the warmest area of your home.
• Light: Ginger prefers indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill is ideal, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lightly water daily or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

Step 7: Using LED grow lights (optional)

If you don’t have access to sufficient natural light, LED grow lights are an excellent alternative. Here’s how to use them:

• For lower-wattage lights (15–90W): Position the light at least 15 inches above the top of the ginger plant.
• For higher-wattage lights (240–400W): Keep the light at a distance of 16–30 inches.
• Adjust as needed: As your ginger grows taller, adjust the height of the grow light to maintain the appropriate distance.

Step 8: Feeding your ginger plant

For healthy growth, feed your ginger plant every few weeks with a liquid fertilizer or organic nutrient source. Worm tea is an excellent option because it provides essential nutrients without overwhelming the plant.

Step 9: Transferring ginger outdoors

Once the weather warms up and all danger of frost has passed (typically late spring in Zone 5b), you can transfer your ginger outdoors. Choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade, as ginger doesn’t tolerate direct, scorching sunlight. Keep the soil well-moisturized and continue feeding regularly.

Transitioning Ginger Outdoors in Zone 5b

In Zone 5b, where the growing season is short, timing is crucial for moving ginger outdoors.

1. Ideal container for outdoor growth: If you plan to keep your ginger in a container outdoors, consider using a wider and shallower container for better rhizome spread. A container with a diameter of 16–20 inches and a depth of 6–8 inches is perfect. This size allows the rhizomes to grow horizontally without restriction. You can keep the ginger in this container throughout the summer.
2. When to move ginger outdoors: Wait until all danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer in Zone 5b. Ginger is sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions by placing it outside for a few hours each day over a week before leaving it out permanently.
3. Outdoor care: Place the container in a spot with partial shade to protect the plant from direct sunlight. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and continue feeding every few weeks.

Step 10: Growing ginger in other zones

Ginger can be grown successfully in a variety of growing zones with the right techniques. 

• Zones 3–5: These colder zones require starting ginger indoors. Use a greenhouse, high tunnel, or hoop house to trap heat and humidity if you want to extend the growing season outdoors. Alternatively, grow ginger entirely in containers indoors.
• Zones 6–8: Start ginger indoors in early spring and transplant it outdoors after the last frost. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well draining soil. In these zones, ginger may still need to be brought indoors during cooler fall temperatures.
• Zones 9–11: Ginger thrives in these warmer zones and can be planted directly outdoors in early spring. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and keep it consistently moist. In these zones, ginger can grow year round if temperatures don’t drop below freezing.
• Tropical Zones: In tropical climates, ginger can be grown outdoors year round. Plant it in a shaded area with high humidity and well draining soil. Regular watering and feeding will ensure a bountiful harvest.

Step 11: Patience and harvesting

Growing ginger requires patience, as it can take 10–12 months for the rhizomes to mature. You can begin harvesting small pieces of ginger after 4–6 months by carefully digging around the edges of the plant and snipping off a section of the root. For the best flavour and yield, however, wait until the plant has fully matured.

When the leaves begin to yellow, it’s a sign that your ginger is ready for harvest. Carefully dig up the entire plant, brush off the soil, and enjoy your homegrown ginger!

Growing ginger indoors and beyond

Growing ginger indoors is a fun and rewarding project, especially if you live in a region with a short growing season like Zone 5b in Canada. By starting your ginger indoors in the right container with the perfect soil and environment, you’ll set yourself up for a successful harvest. Whether you’re in a cold northern zone or a warm tropical climate, ginger can be grown successfully with the right care and attention. With patience and effort, you’ll soon be enjoying the fresh homegrown ginger in your favourite dishes.

Happy growing!