Growing Ginger

[shirlthegirl43]

I grew a piece of root ginger this year in a pot on the kitchen windowsill. I swear if I had had time to sit and watch, I would have witnessed it growing - it sometimes managed a couple inches in a day!!

It ended up around 4' high and is still green (mostly) and still on the kitchen windowsill.

My problem is that I don't know what to do with it now!!! Any suggestions?

[Alice]

Congratulations, Shirlthegirl. I would wait until the leaves start to die back, then have it out of there and see if there is any ginger. Do let us know.

[Lesley Jay]

You have to let the soil dry out in the Autumn and that is what causes the rhizones to form.

[shirlthegirl43]

Haven't been watering it much as I thought I had read not to.

Do I wait for the leaves to die right back? That could take a while!

[Hazel at the Hill]

An update?

Can you let us know what happen to the ginger, STG? I'd love to know if you were successful with the roots!

[madderbat]

lucky you Shirl. I started to grow a piece of ginger at the end of the summer. Bought some on the market and green shoots appeared, so I read up about it and potted it.
It grew for a bit, but unfortunately couldn't get enough light in our front window sill, so it died off. The rhizome still looks ok to eat though

[berksmike]

How long does it take to sprout?
I used a shop bought rhizome that looked nice and shiny and was firm.. Its been a couple of weeks in the pot in a bright warm place and nothing yet!!!

Beginning to lose hope! lol
Am i just being inpatient? (Answer usually is yes!)

Mike

[madderbat]

How long does it take to sprout?
I used a shop bought rhizome that looked nice and shiny and was firm.. Its been a couple of weeks in the pot in a bright warm place and nothing yet!!!

Beginning to lose hope! lol
Am i just being inpatient? (Answer usually is yes!)

Mike

I get the feeling that it might not be the right time of year. The shoots I had were purchased in Loughborough market last Autumn and they all had green shoots. I think they were from the Caribbean.

[shirlthegirl43]

Sorry folks, forgot to add an update! The root was about twice the size of the one I planted and was just like when you buy it from the supermarket.

Will deffo give it another go this year, but will use a bigger pot so that it has more room to grow as I think it may have been too restricted in the 5 inch pot I used.

It is fascinating to watch it grow and I may put it in the greenhouse to see what happens (if the darned thing ever gets built).

[Mrs Dobby]

Update, the 2 pieces of Ginger that Mr D stole from my kitchen have started to grow, they are both at about 18" tall, and are going to be potted on tomorrow! I'm amazed, I didnt think they'd grow at all!

[Alice]

Brilliant Mrs D. I've never got it past 6" before it died. Do let us know how you get on. I might even give it another try.

[Mrs Dobby]

Will do Alice, I'll try n get a piccy tomorrow too, if the digicam doesnt mess up again!

[Alice]

I'm rootin' for your ginger Mrs D.