Growing ginger indoors

Do you have a sunny window and love the taste of ginger? Did you know you can grow your own edible ginger root at home? Rodale’s Organics shares on their website that you can absolutely grow this amazing and nutrient filled plant indoors.

There are edible and ornamental species of ginger. We are specifically talking about the culinary form of ginger (Zingiber officinale). This spicy rhizome, often referred to as a root, is grown for its aromatic and pungent flavor when used in cooking. This plant is also cultivated for its many health benefits.

According to Texas A & M Extension, the main active compound in ginger is gingerol. Studies have shown that it may help reduce or alleviate arthritis pain, boost the immune system, and protect against colorectal cancer. This knotty, rough rhizome has also been shown to “induce cell death in ovarian cancer”. https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/browse/featured-solutions/gardening-landscaping/ginger/.

Used in China for more than 2,000 years to treat digestive issues, this medicinal herb has also been touted for its ability to treat heart conditions, the common cold and headaches. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger.

Ginger is native to Asia and will not tolerate our cold winters. You can grow this sub-topical plant outdoors, then bring it indoors during the cooler months or you can grow it indoors year-round.

To grow, purchase a small amount of ginger root from your grocery store. Make sure you select a piece that has several bumpy nodules. These are the buds. The skin on the buds should be lighter in color and thinner in texture. Buy organic if possible. If not, then soak the rhizome overnight to remove any growth retardants.

Cut the root into one inch pieces and set aside for a few days. This will allow the cut surface to heal and form a callus. Rodale’s Organics suggests pre-sprouting. Get a small plastic container and poke holes in the bottom for drainage. Pour one to two inches of potting mix in the bottom of the container. Place the root on top of the planting media and sprinkle with another one-half inch of mix.

Water thoroughly and place in a warm location. A sprout will emerge in six to eight weeks. After sprouting, place the rhizome in a larger container and bury the entire piece leaving only the sprouted tip exposed. Place this container near a sunny window and water when the potting mix is dry. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/homegrown-ginger-guide.

After about six months, gently grab the base of the foliage and pull the plant up. Cut off the desired amount of rhizome and gently place the plant back into its container watering thoroughly to help reduce shock. Ginger can be used fresh or stored unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or in the freezer for six months.

University of Maryland Medical Center advises to never give ginger to children under the age of two. Also, talk with your healthcare provider before consuming ginger due to the possibility of interactions with prescription and over the counter medications. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger.

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

Originally published in Broomfield Enterprise - Dec 3, 2017