You can now grow your own spicy stash in your living space, as we have a set of master tips to grow ginger indoors!
If you’re looking forward to expanding your indoor spice garden with something a little more fun, then ginger is surprisingly the most apt plant to grow indoors. This article will provide you with quick and easy tips to ensure your homegrown ginger thrives happily.
Do Gingers Grow Well Indoors?
Yes, of course! Ginger can be a perfect addition to your indoor herb garden, especially if you can provide a warm, humid environment. Technically, a spice, ginger rhizomes send out tall shoots that can easily be accommodated in a pot. Plus, it does not require regular watering and is not much finicky about sunlight requirements, making it suitable for novice or busy gardeners.
Finally, nothing beats the taste of homegrown spice that amalgamates the flavor of your hard work in the dishes.
Note: Ginger is a slow grower, so you need to be patient while it takes its time. Harvesting a mature root can take 8–10 months.
How To Grow Ginger Indoors?
Method 1: Planting from a Ginger Root
Choose a plump, firm ginger root. Look for eyes or small bumps, the buds where new growth will emerge. Divide it into pieces so that each section has 1-2 buds. Grab a wide pot filled 70% with a well-draining potting mix and soak it in water until it drains out from the bottom. Place the cut rhizomes with the buds facing upwards. Then, cover it with 1-2 inches of the potting mix.
Mist the medium thoroughly and position the pot in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid watering until you see the first set of leaves sprout. You can rather mist the medium to keep it from getting overly dry.
Method 2: Sprouting in Water Before Planting
If you fear rhizome rot and don’t want to wait for it to sprout in the medium, here’s an easier option for you. Pick a fresh, firm ginger root with plump, well-developed eyes. Organic ginger is your best bet since it’s less likely to have been treated with growth inhibitors. If the ginger root is large, cut it into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two eyes.
Place the ginger pieces in a shallow container or bowl, filling it with water until they are halfway submerged. Make sure the eyes are facing up and out of the water to prevent them from rotting. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent mold or bacteria from growing. In about a week, you’ll notice green sprouts, which you can sow in soil.
Masterful Tips To Grow Ginger Indoors
1. Provide Ample Sunlight
Gingers are sun-lovers and would love to bask under natural sunlight for at least 2-5 hours. South-facing windows are great in the morning, but be wary of the afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. East or west-facing windows can also work well, without you having to relocate it daily.
Since natural light might be limited indoors, consider using grow lights to mimic a long, tropical day. You can opt for a full-spectrum LED grow light about a foot to a foot and a half above the plant’s leaves. Switch it off after providing 14–16 hours of light daily to keep your ginger happy and growing strong.
2. Do not Fluctuate the Temperatures a Lot
You must know that ginger’s happy temperature lies between 50 and 70°F. Avoid chilly drafts or placing it near air vents that can dry it out.
On the other hand, your plant wants 50–70% humidity. Grouping it with other moisture-loving plants or using a pebble tray with water can help create an ideal, humid space. Investing in a humidifier can also be a wise choice if you live in a cold climate.
3. Watering Wisely
Ginger lives comfortably in moist soil, but also hates soggy feet. Before watering, stick your finger in the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, water precisely. Deep watering helps the water reach the roots, but avoid letting water pool in the pot at any cost, which can lead to rhizome rot.
Gingers usually go dormant in the winter, so do not panic if the leaves die back; they’re not dead. Reduce watering and wait for new growth in the spring.
Hot Tip: You can also use a spray bottle for controlled watering.
4. Keep Your Plant Away From Pests & Diseases
Ginger is generally pest-resistant, but occasional issues can arise. The good news is that you can address them organically. A strong spray of water can knock small infestations of aphids or spider mites off. A neem oil solution is another effective, natural option. Keeping your plant healthy with proper watering and fertilization also helps deter pests.
5. Give it a Nutrititious Potting Mix
For growing ginger indoors, the right soil mix makes all the difference. You want a blend of equal parts potting soil, compost, sand, or perlite. This 1:1:1 ratio ensures your ginger gets the nutrients it needs from the potting soil and compost, while the sand or perlite helps with drainage, preventing the roots from getting waterlogged. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 6.5, to keep your ginger plant thriving.
Hot Tip: When your ginger plant grows, try to hill the soil around the ginger base to facilitate healthy growth. This method actually mimics the natural environment of ginger that grows under the shade of trees and bushes.
6. Pick a Wide and Deep Container
Ginger grows horizontally, so choose a wide pot at least 12–14 inches wide and about 8-10 inches deep. A typical window box also works well in which the roots can spread and grow well. Plastic pots are lightweight and affordable, but terracotta and clay pots allow better air circulation. You should go for a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which may lead to rhizome rotting.
7. Harvest & Store
It can take 8–10 months for the rooted ginger to mature. Consider harvesting when the stems start to die back. The ginger flowers are beautiful, but they can also be a signal of the end of active root growth. If a large harvest is your goal, consider removing flower buds early on to redirect energy towards the rhizome.
Carefully dig up the rhizome and separate the fingers, which are the finger-like sections you want to use. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Store whole ginger in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for several months.
