Zingiberaceae Crop Guides

  • When to plant
    Plant in Spring.
    Ginger, Zingiberaceae officinale, is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial

    How to plant
    Ginger prefers a warm, rich moist soil in a protected and shady position. Plant small rhizomes with one or two buds.

    Care: Ginger grows best if soil is kept moist.

    Harvest: Rhizomes can be harvested in Winter after green shoots have died down.

    Troubleshooting: No known pests

  • When to plant
    Plant in Spring.
    Galangal, Alpinia galangal, is a perennial rhizomatous herb

    How to plant
    Galangal prefers a rich moist soil in a protected and shady position. Plant small rhizomes with one or two buds. As Galangal spreads easily it is best to grow it in pots.

    Care: Galangal grows best if soil is kept moist.

    Harvest: Rhizomes can be harvested most of the year by digging at the side of the clump to remove rhizomes as needed.

    Troubleshooting: Grow in a pot as it can be invasive

  • When to plant
    Plant in Spring
    Turmeric, Curcuma domestica,is a perennial rhizomatous herb

    How to plant
    Turmeric prefers a sunny spot. Turmeric is easily established by planting small rhizomes with one or two buds. Turmeric is quite suitable to grow in pots.

    Care: Turmeric dies back completely during the cooler months of the year and re-emerges in Spring. It tolerates drought and a wide range of soil types but demands good drainage.

    Harvest: Freshly chopped Turmeric leaves are added to curries and rhizomes can be harvested during the warmer months. For cooking grate and use twice as much as dry powder specified in a recipe.

    Flowers are attractive and have a vase life of 2-3 weeks.

    Troubleshooting: An easy plant to grow.