How to grow ginger from a store bought ginger root

I love to have some fresh ginger lying around. This delicious root is great in many dishes (like sambal!) and of course in tea. Nothing beats ginger tea when you feel under the weather! Ginger is easy to come by where I live, but I just love to grow my own food. That’s why I decided to grow my own ginger from a store bought root. Ginger isn’t a fast growing plant, it takes weeks to root and months before you can harvest. But it’s absolutely worth the wait! So if you want to now how to grow ginger, please read on!

How to grow ginger from a store bought ginger root

Step 1. Find the perfect ginger root

First you need to find the right kind of ginger root. Try to find a piece that has a plump and smooth skin. Preferably with some green buds already sprouting from the root. I like to buy my ginger at a Turkish super market, for some reason the ginger I buy there is way better than what the supermarket has to offer.

Step 2. Soak your ginger

Most store bought ginger has growth inhibitors on them. In order to remove this and also to hydrate the root you have to soak your ginger in a bowl of water for 12-24 hours.

Step 3. Plant your ginger

Ginger roots grow horizontally, so you need a wide but shallow pot.  I choose smaller pot to start the ginger root and move the plant to a bigger pot when the ginger grows. Ginger loves rich soil. I use potting soil to which I add extra fertilizer every week. Don’t bury your ginger too deep! It should be almost uncovered. Just press it down into the dirt.

Step 4. Taking care of your ginger

Place your pot in a spot with indirect sunlight. Don’t let the soil dry out between watering and add fertilizer to your plant every week. Ginger is not a fast growing plant, so it takes a few weeks up to a month to see any roots growing.

Step 5. Harvesting your ginger

After a 3 or 4 months you can harvest your first roots. These roots are still green, and not as strong in taste as the original beige roots. After 8-10 months the ginger is beige colored and ready to be harvested.

Now you know how to grow ginger from a store bought ginger root. In a few days I will share a recipe for my favorite sambal with you. It’s a sweet sambal with (of course) a lot of ginger in it! XO Wilma