Planting instruction for Ginger rhizomes

Planting instruction for Ginger Rhizomes - Heliconia Paradise

Ginger rhizomes should be planted in a well draining soil as described on the page

a typical Heliconia rhizome and the requirements are very much the same as for Heliconia

rhizomes. This means a soil which is well draining and rich in organic matter is ideal.

Perlite, sharp sand, peanut-shells, pine bark etc. may be used to create a suitable mixture.

A pH level ranging from 5 to 7 is tolerated by all gingers.

Soil temperature should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but a higher temperature is better.

If planting conditions are not ideal, most Ginger rhizomes can be kept in a cool, rather dry than very

humid place for quite a while. They will not dry out as quickly as

Heliconia rhizomes would do. This applies especially to all gingers with fleshy roots of which many

species have the capability to go through a period of dormancy and thus survive dry or cool seasons.

These are all Hedychiums, Curcuma, Globba, many of the Zingiber and Costus.

Etlingera rhizomes however are different and should not be stored.

Planting too deep may cause rot, so the rhizomes should be placed only 1" to 2" below the surface

depending on the size of the rhizome with new shoots and buds pointing upward.

After planting water thoroughly, then do not water again until soil is getting dry. Keep evenly moist but

not wet when shoots start to grow and leaves start to unfold.

If planted in pots these should be of sufficient size - at least 3 to 4 inches wider than rhizome size.

Keep the pots in a warm but not too sunny place to avoid temperature extremes and drying out of

the planting medium.

When leaves start to unfold the plants can be planted out - again in well drained soil.

Most gingers prefer filtered sunlight or 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day only.

A few of them like Etlingera, Alpinia zerumbet, Curcuma alismatifolia and some Costus

however can be grown in full sun, depending on the intensity of the sunlight.

A slow release fertilizer is ideal in the beginning. Larger and already established plants require more

water and can be fed with liquid fertilizer if desired.

Curcuma and Globba rhizomes :

These should be planted in March when temperatures are rising and sunlight intensifies.

Do not add more than about 1/2 inch or 1.5 cm of soil on top as deeper planting may result in

rhizome loss. Keep the planting medium moist but not wet by watering daily.

Curcuma and Globba rhizomes can be stored in a dry place until planting. If kept in high humidity

fungus may develop and cause rot. This does not mean that one should allow the rhizomes to dry

out completely. All ginger rhizomes will die if kept too cold, too wet or too dry.

Most gingers will flower mid to late summer if being planted in a temperate climate.

In areas with a mild climate and in sheltered locations some of the hardier gingers can be mulched

an left outside. The rhizome will start sprouting again in late spring when temperatures rise.