Ginger Root Propagation

Selection and Preparation

• Choose a piece of ginger root that has several fingers. A finger is a branch that emerges from the central rhizome. Make sure that the ginger is firm and fresh; if it has wrinkles, it indicates a dry root that will not grow. Look for fingers that have small growths that look like smooth potato eyes. Soak the selected fingers overnight in fresh water.

Indoor Propogation

• Fill a pot at least 16 inches in diameter with small stones topped with good potting soil. This setup provides drainage and avoids water-logging your ginger. Set the rhizome in the soil so that the buds point upward. Cover the root completely with 1 inch of soil. Water the root and place it in an area where it receives indirect light in a warm room. Water the plant when the soil becomes dry, but avoid saturation. After at least 265 days, let the soil dry completely and harvest. Retain several fingers for re-planting.

Outdoor Propogation

• If you live in hardiness zones 6 or above, you can plant ginger root outdoors but you need to bring it in before the first freeze. Wait to plant your root until the average daily temperature is over 75 degrees. Look for a garden space where there is partial shade, wind protection and rich, well-drained soil. Compost improves ginger's growth. As with indoor planting, set the rhizome into the soil with the bud facing upward. Water as needed.

Caring for Ginger Plants

• As long as the temperature, light and moisture levels are right, ginger requires very little care. When it's actively growing, make sure that the soil remains damp. The soil should nearly dry between waterings. If you have poor soil, use a 10-10-10 fertilizer monthly. If you see red spider mites, mist the plants daily to discourage infestation. Ginger root reaches an ideal flavor about 265 days after propagation