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How to Grow Ginger

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

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Supplies You'll Need

Seed Starting Trays Seed Starting Mix Grow Lights Heat Mat Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Zingiber officinale
Category herb
Type Tropical Perennial
Days to Maturity 270 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

Growing Requirements

Sun

Partial Shade (3-5 hours)

Water

Moderate-High (consistent moisture)

Spacing

18" apart

Depth

2" deep

Height

2-4 ft

Germination

14-28 days

Ready to Grow Ginger?

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Seed Saving Guide

Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Ginger is propagated by dividing rhizomes, not from seed. Purchase fresh rhizomes or divide an existing plant.

Plant fresh rhizomes with visible growth buds (eyes) — even grocery store ginger works well.

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Ginger. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Ginger Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Ginger Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ginger? +

Start Ginger seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 4 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Ginger take to grow? +

Ginger typically matures in about 270 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Ginger indoors or direct sow? +

Ginger should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Ginger need? +

Ginger requires partial shade (3-5 hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Ginger? +

Space Ginger plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Ginger need? +

Ginger has moderate-high (consistent moisture) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Ginger? +

Ginger is not typically propagated by seed. Ginger is propagated by dividing rhizomes, not from seed. Purchase fresh rhizomes or divide an existing plant. Plant fresh rhizomes with visible growth buds (eyes) — even grocery store ginger works well.

About Ginger

Start store-bought ginger rhizomes indoors before last frost. Grow in warm, humid conditions. Harvest young rhizomes in summer or wait until fall for mature, spicy roots.

Expect your Ginger to be ready for harvest in approximately 270 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.