Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical plant prized for its aromatic rhizomes and medicinal properties. While challenging in the UK’s cooler climate, it’s entirely possible to grow ginger at home with the right approach. This guide covers everything from planting to harvesting, answering common questions like “How to make a start growing ginger?” and “What is the best month to plant ginger?” As this is one of my favourite tropical and edible plants to grow in the garden, let’s dig in!
Quick Takeaways: Growing Ginger in the UK
- Yes, you can grow ginger in the UK! Use containers, greenhouses, or a warm balcony for the best results.
- Best time to plant: Plant the rhizomes in late winter or early spring (February–March) for a strong growing season.
- Choosing rhizomes: Use organic, plump ginger roots with visible growth buds, or “eyes”. Avoid chemically treated supermarket varieties. Organic is best.
- Ideal conditions: Ginger loves warmth, humidity, and indirect sunlight—avoid putting them into direct sun. Certainly protect against frost.
- Growing ginger indoors: Use deep pots with well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, bright spot with plenty of air circulation.
- Watering needs: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged—misting helps maintain the correct humidity for the plants.
- Feeding ginger: Feed monthly (during seasons of growth) with a good, general-purpose, organic fertilizer.
- Harvesting tips: Young ginger is ready within 3–4 months, while mature ginger takes 8–10 months.
- Overwintering: In the UK, ginger won’t survive medium to hard frost—either harvest or bring it indoors before winter. I put mine in an unheated greenhouse. However, bear in mind, I live in South Devon!
- Health benefits: Homegrown ginger is fresh, chemical-free, and packed with nutrients for digestion, circulation, and immunity.
Read on to learn step-by-step methods for growing ginger at home!
Why bother Growing Ginger in the UK?
Ginger thrives in warm, humid conditions, making our UK climate less than ideal. However, with containers, greenhouses, or a warm balcony garden, growing ginger is achievable. Homegrown ginger offers a fresher flavour and avoids pesticides often found in store-bought varieties. Plus, ginger’s lush foliage adds tropical flair to gardens!
Selecting the Right Ginger Rhizomes
Growing Ginger from Shop-Bought
Many gardeners wonder, “Can you grow ginger from shop-bought rhizomes?” Yes! Opt for organic, plump rhizomes with visible “eyes” (growth buds). Non-organic ginger may be treated with growth inhibitors (and other nasty chemicals). Soak rhizomes overnight in water (to answer the common question: “Do you soak ginger in water before planting?”) to rehydrate them and boost growth. This simple step will give your ginger plants a good start.
Best Time to Plant Ginger in the UK
What is the Best Month to Plant Ginger?
Ginger requires warmth, so the best time to start growing ginger is early spring (March–April). Start indoors or in a greenhouse. Transplant outdoors after the last frost (May–June) if containers are used, as you can always bring your ginger plants into a frost-free environment should there be a late cold spell. For direct outdoor planting, wait until soil temperatures reach 20–25°C.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
How to Grow Ginger Step by Step
- Prepare the Rhizome: Cut into 2–3 cm pieces, each with at least one eye (eye: slightly raised rough patch on sides of rhizome).
- Soil: Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix (answering the question: “Will ginger grow in potting soil?”). Enrich with compost.
- Planting: Place rhizomes 5 cm deep, eyes upward, spaced 20 cm apart.
- Location: Choose a warm, shaded spot (ginger dislikes direct sun).
- Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Caring for Ginger Plants
How Do You Take Care of a Ginger Plant?
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture; mist leaves in dry climates. Don’t waterlog! Make sure your compost is free-draining.
- Feeding: Apply general-purpose, organic fertilizer monthly.
- Temperature: Keep above 10°C; move pots indoors (or into a heated greenhouse) during very cold weather.
- Companion Planting: What not to plant next to ginger? Avoid water-sensitive plants like rosemary; opt for cilantro (coriander) or turmeric (a close cousin of ginger!).
Harvesting Ginger
Can You Eat Ginger Straight from the Garden?
Yes! Young ginger (harvested 3–4 months after planting) is tender and edible. Mature ginger (8–10 months) has thicker skin, so peeling is required. “Can ginger be left in the ground?” In most of the UK, frost will kill it, so harvest before winter or overwinter indoors. Here in Devon, I sometimes leave my ginger plants in the ground over winter, but this can be risky. If you fancy taking a chance, you can always try applying a heavy mulch over your ginger plants during winter, and scrape the mulch back in spring, to allow the new shoot to come through.
Does Ginger Come Back Every Year?
In tropical climates, ginger is perennial. In the UK, growing ginger as an annual is more common unless protected from cold. After all, ginger does grow very quickly.
Using and Storing Ginger
Which Part of Ginger is Edible?
The rhizome (underground stem) is edible. “What to do with fresh ginger leaves?” Use young leaves in teas or broths for a mild flavour.
Storage Tips: Should Unpeeled Ginger Be Refrigerated?
Store unpeeled ginger in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or puree and freeze for longer usage.
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses
What Diseases Does Ginger Treat?
Ginger aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and alleviates nausea. “What are the benefits of drinking ginger tea?” It boosts immunity, eases colds, and improves circulation. Personally, I like to add it every night to “golden milk”, which is an amazing anti-inflammatory drink made from turmeric, ginger, black pepper, milk, honey/maple syrup, and cinnamon. I can’t recommend it enough: Here’s a recipe for golden milk.
Does Boiling Ginger Destroy Its Benefits?
Boiling preserves most antioxidants, though prolonged heat may reduce some nutrients.
I really like this YouTube channel. Here’s a great video on the topic of growing ginger in the UK, which I think you will like. There is something ‘Graham Gardner’ about this guy 😉
Common Questions
Which Ginger is Not Edible?
Ornamental varieties like Alpinia or Hedychium are inedible. Stick to Zingiber officinale.
Conclusion
Growing ginger in the UK requires patience and attention to warmth and moisture. By following this guide – planting in the best month, using shop-bought rhizomes, and providing proper care – you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown ginger. Whether brewed into tea or used in cooking, this tropical treasure is worth the effort!
For more information about growing ginger in the UK, why not visit the RHS website? Also, I wrote an article a while back on a close cousin of the ginger: How to grow Canna from seed.
