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How to Grow and Care for Flowering Ginger

The types of ginger plant available for avid collectors is staggering. And there is great variation among species: one flower looks like an otherworldly pinecone; another resembles a mutant orchid; still another looks like a tropical insect dreamed up by a cartoonist. Although some people associate flowering gingers with the state of Hawaii, many were introduced to the island as ornamentals, and some, like red button ginger, are considered invasive plants.

Ginger plants (Zingiberaceae family) spread and emerge from rhizomes, the thick fleshy root-like structures you are accustomed to seeing in the produce section of the market. The leaves are usually lance-shaped or oblong, deep green, and glossy. Flowers vary greatly from one genus to another and may be borne throughout the growing season in tropical climates.

Click Play to Learn How to Grow and Care for Flowering Ginger

Common Name Flowering ginger, ornamental ginger, ginger
Botanical Name Zingiberaceae family, several genera and species
Family Zingiberaceae
Plant Type Herbaceous, perennial 
Mature Size 4-5 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Partial
Soil Type Moist, well-draining
Soil pH Neutral, acidic
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Red, orange, yellow
Hardiness Zones 7-10 (USDA)
Native Area Asia

Flowering Ginger Care

Plant flowering gingers with other large tropical plants like cannas or elephant ears to create a sultry statement. Grow them in moist, well-drained garden soil in a part-shade location, or one that gets filtered sun all day. Flowering ginger will grow quite vigorously in the garden and has been known to take over garden spaces. Avoid planting it near natural areas where it might escape.

Feed at least every other month, and clip back flower stalks to the ground after they finish blooming. The plant is fairly trouble-free, but root rot may occur in cold, wet soil.

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty Images

Light

Most ginger plants thrive in filtered light, such as they experience when growing in a rainforest. Ginger plants growing in full sun may develop browning on foliage margins.

Soil

Ginger plants like organically rich, moist, well-draining soil with near-neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Water

Water frequently during the growing season, less often in fall and winter. Weekly deep watering is preferable to shorter daily showers. Aim to give your ginger plant approximately 1 inch of moisture per week. 

Temperature and Humidity

Tropical ginger plants crave the high humidity and moist, rich soil of their native habitat. If flowering ginger plants get too dry, they will cease to flower and may even become dormant. As a tropical plant, ginger plants prefer temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

Ginger plants are heavy feeders and will benefit from a biweekly shovelful of manure when the summer heats up. Otherwise, you can apply a complete flower fertilizer every other month. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.

Types of Flowering Ginger

The flowering ginger family, Zingiberaceae, is a diverse group including some 47 genera and more than 1,000 species. Some of the more common genus names you are likely to see in the nursery trade include Alpinia, Costus, Hedychium, and Zingiber (which includes the edible culinary ginger).

Individual species may bear such uninteresting names as “red ginger” or “yellow ginger,” but collectors should choose plants based on the Latin name to avoid mislabeled plants and muddled taxonomy issues. Gardeners just looking for an attractive container plant can look for a plant in bloom that they admire, as all tropical gingers thrive under similar growing conditions. Top varieties include:

Pruning

Since flowering ginger blooms on two-year-old canes, leave any canes that didn't bloom in the previous season. The ones that did bloom can be cut down to the ground after the flowers fade.

Prune well in the spring before new growth appears. Remove dead or damaged canes at any time during the year.

Propagating Flowering Ginger

Flowering ginger can be propagated from an existing plant:

  1. Dig up the rhizomes and cut them into 1- to 2-inch sections, each with several good growth buds.
  2. Let the pieces dry out for a day, then plant them just below the surface in rich, well-drained soil.
  3. Water lightly until top growth develops. Once established, water more heavily and fertilize regularly.

How to Grow Flowering Ginger From Seed

Since growing flowering ginger from seed can take years and doesn't often produce the best profusion of blooms, this method is not recommended.

Potting and Repotting Flowering Ginger

Although most flowering gingers are too large to grow as houseplants, you can keep them in your greenhouse or conservatory or grow them on a shaded deck or patio. In fact, most gingers have a longer bloom period if grown in large pots. Ginger blooms will last as cut flowers for as long as three weeks. Gardeners should consult the care tag of the individual species to choose a proper location or container size. In general, a large container with a diameter of at least 24 inches is a good choice. Larger containers also retain moisture for longer periods. Choose a heavy flowerpot made of concrete or porcelain, as the rhizomes may cause plastic or other thin-walled planters to split as the plant grows.

Overwintering

In colder climates, after the first frost, remove withered foliage and dig up the rhizomes to dry out in a protected location. Store the dormant rhizomes in sawdust or sphagnum moss as you would other tropical bulbs, such as gladioli or dahlias.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Unfortunately, flowering ginger plants are like a beacon for insects. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, ants, red spider mites, cutworms, and more. The treatment is usually an insecticide but check with your local nursery for the appropriate treatments to match the pests and the flowering ginger type. Monitor the plants closely for pests.

There are two issues with disease that are common to flowering ginger: bacterial wilt and fusarium yellows. Each of these issues causes yellowed leaves and severely wilted plants, though fusarium yellows moves much slower than bacterial wilt does. To be sure of what's happening, look at the rhizomes. They will be water-soaked in appearance, show signs of bacterial ooze, or have significant dry rot. The only treatment is to remove the plant from the garden before the problem spreads.

How to Get Flowering Ginger to Bloom

Keep in mind that flowering ginger might not bloom the first year; some nursery plants that were started through seed might take three years or more to give you any sort of flowers. Also, note that the ginger rhizomes need at least 10 months of warm temperatures to grow, and at least a few months of temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit to produce flowers. If these conditions are met but the plant is still not flowering, consider that the plants need regular watering and that they are heavy feeders, needing a good 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer applied every month.

Torch Ginger

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Pineapple Ginger

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Growing Ginger For Flowers In The Garden

Ornamental ginger plants can be a great way to add attractive and exotic color, foliage, and blooms to your garden. Whether they go in beds or in containers, these plants offer diversity without a lot of maintenance.

Growing Ginger Plants that Flower

Ornamental, or flowering, gingers are different from the edible variety. These are just for show, and they can certainly be beautiful, with a range of sizes, flower shapes, and colors. These are also tropical and sub-tropical plants that will not tolerate winters that are much colder than 50 degrees F. (10 C.).

If you do have a south Florida garden, or one in a similar climate, you can grow these ginger plants that flower and enjoy the blooms without much effort. In slightly cooler climates, you can grow them in containers and bring them indoors for the winter.

Ideal conditions for ornamental ginger include at least some shade, rich, moist soil, and good drainage. A dose of fertilizer once a month will give you even more flowers.

Flowering Ginger Varieties for Your Garden

There are many types of flowering ginger, but most are large plants with showy foliage and even showier blooms. They thrive in the same conditions, so if you have the right spot in your garden, pick from among the varieties based solely on looks:

Red ginger. This grand ginger is tall and produces a big red flower spike. The red spike is not actually the flower, but it does provide the big show. Inside each red bract that makes up the spike, is a small white flower.

Malay ginger. The Malay ginger produces flowers that are about 2 inches (5 cm.) across. They are ruffled and may be white or pink with yellow centers. The leaves are long and green, but there are cultivars of this ginger that have variegated leaves.

Pineapple ginger. This ginger will give you spectacular blooms. The flower spike is 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) tall, has bright red waxy bracts, and is shaped like a pineapple.

Butterfly ginger. The butterfly ginger variety produces pink and red flowers, which are not just pretty, but also emit a pleasant fragrance.

Torch ginger. The unusual torch ginger flowers bloom from colorful bracts that may be red, pink, or orange. These make lovely additions to the warm climate garden.

Shell ginger. The flowers of the shell ginger are unique. They cluster together in a drooping shape and are often white, but sometimes pale pink. They have been described as a string of pearls.

Oxblood ginger. This variety adds color to the garden, not just from its white to pink flowers, but also the undersides of the leaves which are a rich, deep purplish red.

There are so many varieties of ornamental ginger plants that you’ll have fun picking out the ones that will add a little exotic flair to your garden.

How to grow ginger at home on the windowsill (+photo and video)

Contents

Useful properties of ginger root were discovered by people in ancient times. The homeland of this plant is South Asia and India, the inhabitants of these countries have long used ginger not only as a culinary supplement, but also for the treatment of many diseases. Now ginger can be bought in almost every store, but you can grow it at home.

Useful properties of ginger

It is difficult to overestimate the useful properties of ginger, because it is not for nothing that it is called the root of youth. It can keep the circulatory system and heart healthy, and the body in good shape. It improves the immune system, gives healthy looking skin, and is often used as an antibacterial and antiseptic for gums.

The root also helps with psycho-emotional problems, relieving stress. Ginger is also used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for colds and cancers, as well as for hypertension. Ginger can cleanse the stomach and is used for nausea and vomiting. It is no less valuable for women experiencing severe pain on critical days. nine0003

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The root can be brewed as a tea or drunk raw. Nutritionists use ginger for weight loss. Cooking - for baking and as seasonings for a variety of meat dishes and desserts. Ginger is low in calories, but it contains a huge amount of macro-microelements, as well as vitamins B, K, E and C.

How to grow ginger at home

just try a little. Ginger cultivation follows an annual cycle, that is, in the spring the rhizome sprouts, the leaves develop, in the fall they wither, and in the winter the root goes dormant. Thus, you will need to prepare for planting and properly care for ginger during the growth period. In winter, there are usually no problems with storage. nine0003

Rules for growing and growing ginger at home

First you need to purchase planting material. You can find it not in a specialty store, but in a regular supermarket or greengrocer's, where they sell fresh ginger rhizomes, which are usually bought for culinary purposes.

When choosing rhizomes, pay attention to the presence of dormant buds on the root. Also, the root should be fresh, there should be no dry areas and damage on the surface. It is best to buy a root that has many buds, since it can be divided into parts and planted at once. nine0003

Under normal growing conditions, ginger is considered an unpretentious plant that requires little or no maintenance. In our area, in order to grow ginger, you need to carefully prepare for planting. When the root is purchased, it must be placed in warm water for several hours. This will help awaken dormant buds that are barely visible on the rhizome.

Soil

Land for planting should be nutritious, loose, actively drained. It is best to use a substrate of garden soil, humus and sand. Also, it will not be superfluous to add complex fertilizers for root crops. All this will help the plant in the formation of a powerful root system. nine0003

Pot

Ginger in pot

Many gardeners grow ginger for its medicinal roots. In this case, it is appropriate to use small but wide containers in which the plant will fit its newly formed rhizomes.

If your goal is to grow ginger for flowering, then choose a small pot that limits the growth of rhizomes. Do not wait for the plant to bloom in the first year after planting. This usually happens no earlier than two years later. nine0003

In any case, the pot must have drainage holes. On its bottom, you need to pour small pebbles or expanded clay with a layer of about 3 cm.

Ginger at home can be grown at any time of the year. The best option is the end of winter.

Landing rules

Landing pattern is simple. Do the following:

  1. Ginger roots should be spread on the surface of moist soil, buds up.
  2. Gently press the pieces of rhizomes into the soil, leaving room for shoots to grow above it. nine0006
  3. Water the seedling with warm water.

It is not necessary to completely sprinkle the rhizomes. So there is more chance that the sprouts will hatch quickly, and the seedling will not rot.

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Seedling care

The plant needs regular but moderate watering

If the planting rules have been followed, then the first shoots can be expected in a couple of weeks. Rich green ginger sprouts do not need complicated care, the main thing is to water and protect seedlings from drafts and temperature changes during watering. Since the plant does not tolerate drought, fresh shoots should be sprayed and watered regularly, but everything should be in moderation. nine0003

Care of ginger at home

Planting and caring for ginger at home will bear fruit if a number of recommendations are followed.

After germination, it is necessary to maintain heat and high humidity. Do not forget about watering and regular feeding.

The plant feels comfortable in hot conditions, but is afraid of direct sunlight and cold wind. Therefore, you should carefully consider the choice of the place where the pots with seedlings will stand. On warm summer days, ginger is useful to take out to the balcony or garden, providing it with protection from drafts and shading. nine0003

Watering completely depends on the air temperature, the warmer it is, the more and more often you need to water the plant.

Top dressing should be carried out every two weeks. Mineral and organic supplements should be used alternately as each has its own benefits:

  1. Potassium helps to form buds.
  2. Nitrogen is good for foliage growth.
  3. Phosphorus is useful for rhizomes.

At the end of summer, top dressing is stopped, and watering of ginger is reduced. This will help the plant prepare for a dormant period. nine0003

To prepare ginger for winter. at the end of summer, watering is reduced

Harvesting

At home, ginger roots are harvested at a time when its leaves have almost completely fallen off. By this time, the rhizome is filled with strength, it becomes extremely tasty. But in our strip we have to harvest much earlier, when the plant, due to weather conditions, no longer has a chance to continue growing.

If you are growing ginger on a windowsill, the plant's foliage will tell you when it's time to harvest. As soon as it withered, it's time to dig up the rhizomes. nine0003

How to store ginger roots

You can store ginger root in the basement or in the refrigerator

As it became clear, growing ginger from the root is not so difficult. But what is the right way to store it?

After removing the roots from the ground, they are thoroughly washed, and the remnants of the shoots are removed. After that, the rhizomes are laid to dry. For these purposes, you need a dry room.

Ginger can be stored in a dry basement or in the refrigerator. Under such conditions, the roots remain fresh for 3-4 months. nine0003

If you planted ginger for ornamental purposes, then flowering will not come until the next year, which means that the root should not be removed from the pot. Just stop watering the plant and put it in a cool room.

Flowering

Ginger flowers are amazing. Unfortunately, in our climatic conditions, this does not happen in the first year of cultivation. But it’s worth waiting 2-3 years before this moment comes, because the flowering of this plant cannot leave anyone indifferent. nine0003

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Depending on the type of ginger, which buds will please the eye. It can please you with one, but a very large flower, or it can be dotted with small flowers all over.

The most popular varieties and their flowering:

  1. Zerumbet - blooms for about 3 weeks, very similar to a tea rose, which is framed by heavy and dense petals.
  2. Ginger Torch - this flower is not so bright, it looks like a small elongated balloon, along the perimeter of which there are small pink scales. nine0006
  3. Ginger is wonderful - the flowers have scarlet petals, and the peduncles are bright red.
  4. Kasumunar - similar to daffodils or orchids. The bud is, as it were, a torch-like base for light white flowers.
  5. Japanese ginger is considered a "snowdrop" because it blooms in early spring. Its flowers are large and delicate, white-yellow.

While the ginger blossom is a stunning sight, it completely ruins the taste of the root. You can eat flowering ginger, but the taste of the plant is reduced by almost 100%. nine0003

During flowering, the taste of ginger root deteriorates greatly. But in winter, a spider mite can lie in wait for it. As a result of exposure to this pest, small yellow dots appear on the leaves, the plant turns pale.

The following measures are effective in the fight against spider mites:

  1. Regular spraying. It is carried out, having previously wrapped the flowerpot with polyethylene, so as not to wet the roots. nine0006
  2. If there are many small cobwebs, then you can pour water on the crown of ginger and wrap it in a bag so that the insects die.
  3. If these measures do not help, then you can use chemicals that are sprayed on the plant once a week.

Growing ginger in the garden

Growing ginger is only possible in a greenhouse

If you want to grow ginger in your country house, you will need a greenhouse or hotbed. However, growing on a personal plot implies some features:

  1. Ginger needs to be sprouted at home. It is best to do this in late February - early March.
  2. It is necessary to plant rhizomes in a prepared substrate, which has already been mentioned above.
  3. After the appearance of the first sprouts, the plant needs careful care.
  4. Planting in the greenhouse starts as soon as the ginger begins to grow.
  5. Transplantation should be carried out as carefully as possible, since the root system of the plant is not yet strong enough. nine0006
  6. In the greenhouse, as in the home pot, you will need to prepare the soil. It should be fruitful, and, most importantly, warm.

Harvesting in the greenhouse takes place at the end of September.

Learn how to grow ginger at home. Happy viewing!

How ginger blossoms and how to grow it at home

Gardening is becoming more and more popular these days. You always want to grow something useful and, at the same time, beautiful in your small cozy garden. Ginger is considered one of these plants, especially if it begins to bloom. nine0003

Contents

What kind of plant is ginger?

Perennial herbaceous plant of the Ginger family. The genus includes 144 species. The most widespread species is pharmacy .

It first occurred in Southeast Asia and Western India. It is extremely rare in the wild. Prefers a warm and humid climate, grows in tropical and subtropical areas.
However, it also increases under various agro-climatic conditions.

Serves as a garden and as a room.

Powerful, branched roots. Komisheobrazny stems of medium height: up to 1-1.5 meters. The entire leaves are shorter than their petioles. The flowers are orange-yellow or red, collected in spicate inflorescences. nine0003 Ginger grows in the tropics and subtropics

The most favorable soil for growing is loose loam rich in humus.

Ginger root has a wide range of medicinal properties is often used as a spice in cooking.

Flowering

There are many types of ginger, so to give an unambiguous answer to the question “how does ginger bloom?” impossible. There are both completely decorative species, and the most common ones, which are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. nine0003

The peak of flowering activity falls on the spring-summer period . Under natural conditions, flowering begins in the second year of life. At home, flowering is a rather rare occurrence, occurring only in the third year of life of plants.

When flowering, the sprouts look like short, slightly sharpened pencils. Forms thin pseudo-stems from rolled leaves. Such stems, most often, are intensely colored pink. nine0003 Ginger flowers in the form of cones

During the second phase of flowering, it produces flowers on long rooted stems. Flowers can be of various colors and their shades: yellow, white, purple, red. But the color palette does not end there, some types can combine several colors at the same time.

The shape of the inflorescences is also varied . They can resemble cones, lilies, and even large double flowers.

Attractive to all blooms, it exudes a sweet smell, which is not to the liking and causes allergies in some people. nine0003

Flowering ends closer to cold weather with the formation of fruits in the form of small boxes.

Is it possible to grow flowering ginger at home?

Of course, yes. But only subject to special conditions . There are several species that gardeners give the most preference to:

Ginger zerumbet
Ginger Torch
Wonderful
Purple

At home, it is preferable to grow it as an annual. Planting takes place in early spring. nine0003

When growing plants in apartments, you must follow a few simple rules:

  1. Plant tubers in deep but narrow pot . Thus, the root will be stronger.
  2. The soil consists of three parts: soddy soil, sand, humus.
  3. Required change of soil once a year .
  4. Phosphorus and potassium fertilization every 2 weeks.
  5. Store in a cool place during the winter.

Temperature setting

Temperature is often a problem. In summer, everything is easy and simple: 25-28 degrees Celsius is enough for ginger. In winter, it is desirable that the air temperature does not exceed 15 degrees. Only in such an environment will the plant favorably endure the winter period.

Ginger does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature . In the cold season, you can consider a separate small room for a plant to live in it.

Lighting

Lighting is no problem. It is worth adhering to only one basic rule: light must be diffused .

Successful germination of ginger in good light

Watering

Plant needs moist soil during shoot forcing . Watering is carried out as the top layer dries, preventing complete drying of the soil and stagnant water. The water temperature should fluctuate within room temperature or slightly higher.

A day after each watering, loosen the soil shallowly

Air humidity

Plants need sufficiently humid air and daily spraying . In winter, with proper care, ginger stops growing, so it does not need spraying at this time.

How to care during flowering?

During flowering, the plant must be provided with the most favorable conditions.

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