Common Ginger

About Common Ginger

Starting a Ginger Plant

  • Obtain a fresh, organic ginger root from a local store or nursery.
  • Break the root into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one eye (bud) or node.
  • Plant the pieces in well-draining, rich, moist soil with the eye or node facing up, about 2-3 inches deep.
  • Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-85°F/21-29°C) for germination.
  • Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
  • Common Name: Common Ginger
  • Critters: Harmful: Nematodes, aphids, and spider mites
  • Family: Zingiberaceae
  • Germination: 10-15 days
  • Life Cycle: Perennial, 10-12 months
  • Maturity: 8-10 months
  • Plant Food: Balanced, organic fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season
  • Roots: 2-3 feet long
  • Seed Depth: 2-3 inches
  • Size: 3-4 feet high and wide
  • Zones: 9, 10, 11, 12

Companion Plants

Best Companions

Okra, corn, and squash.

Worst Companions

Potatoes and tomatoes.

Harvesting Information

  • Harvest ginger roots 8-10 months after planting.
  • Gently dig up the roots, taking care not to damage them.
  • Cure the roots in a shaded, humid area for 7-10 days to reduce moisture content.

Selection & Storage

Store cured ginger roots in a cool, dry place (40-60°F/4-15°C) or refrigerate for up to 6 months.

Usage Tips

Health Benefits

Ginger is rich in vitamins A, C, and various minerals.

It contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerols, which can help alleviate asthma symptoms (Rahimi et al., 2014).

Consuming fresh ginger or ginger tea may help reduce asthma attacks and improve lung function (Chung et al., 2016).