Where to Buy Ginger Root to Grow Your Own Zingiber officinale
Ginger is a wonderful plant to grow for both its culinary and medicinal benefits The gnarled, knobby rhizomes can be used fresh or dried in a wide array of dishes, teas, and tonics. But where can you find quality ginger root to start growing this tropical plant at home? With the right source for planting material, you’ll be harvesting homegrown ginger roots in no time
Grocery Store Ginger
Getting ginger rhizomes is easiest when you go to your local grocery store. Most of the time, you can find ginger root in the produce section, near other fresh herbs and exotic fruits. Ginger from the grocery store is appealing because it’s cheap and simple to find. However, grocery store ginger is not always ideal for planting. A lot of ginger grown for sale has been treated with chemicals that stop growth so it doesn’t sprout before it’s sold. This can make it hard for it to grow new shoots when planted. Pay close attention to the rhizomes and stay away from any that show mold, wrinkling, or old age. Choose firm, plump roots that have buds or “eyes” that can be seen if possible.
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Many independent nurseries and garden stores offer ginger rhizomes by mail order or in-store seasonally. This is often a good source of untreated, high quality ginger specifically meant for propagation. The plants are more likely to be pesticide-free and certified organic. Local stores also allow you to hand select rhizomes for optimal freshness and viability. Sources to check include:
- Specialty fruit and edible plant nurseries – Tropical plant nurseries – Small organic farms with onsite stores – Asian/ethnic markets – Seed catalogs and plant websites
Online Shops
There are many online retailers offering ginger rhizomes for growing. Buying ginger root online provides convenience and delivery right to your door. Reputable online shops sell robust, healthy ginger rhizomes suitable for planting. Good sources include:
- National catalogs and specialty growers – Etsy shops and eBay sellers – Specialty spice and tea companies – Small organic farms with online stores – Hawaiian ginger root sources
Find sellers who ship quickly and package the ginger rhizomes well so they don’t get damaged or dry out while they’re being shipped.
Farmer’s Markets and Food Co-ops
For the freshest ginger root, shop local farmer’s markets and food co-ops selling organic produce. These small growers often have exotic edibles like ginger root for sale. Farmer’s markets provide an opportunity to inspect, select, and hand pick your own robust rhizomes for planting. Many vendors are happy to answer questions on their cultivation practices as well. Shopping markets towards the end of ginger season provides an opportunity to find great discounts.
Growing Ginger from a Mature Plant
Once you are growing your own ginger, you can easily propagate new plants each season from the mature roots. Simply break off healthy new rhizome shoots with visible growth buds from an established ginger plant. Replant these shoots to produce additional ginger plants for an endless supply. Using your own homegrown ginger for propagation ensures organic, vigorous roots for planting.
Things to Look for When Buying Ginger Root
-
Select plump, firm rhizomes without wrinkling, mold or dryness
-
Choose large, mature roots with visible growth buds/eyes
-
Seek out organic, untreated ginger for best sprouting
-
Find roots marketed specifically for planting/propagation
-
Look for unique varieties like Hawaiian yellow ginger
-
Purchase from reputable sellers and check reviews
Storing Ginger Rhizomes for Later Planting
Fresh, unpeeled ginger can keep for 1-2 months with proper storage before planting. Here are some tips for storing ginger root:
-
Keep rhizomes in a paper bag, not plastic
-
Refrigerate between 45-50°F with airflow
-
Avoid excess moisture and wipe off condensation
-
Remove any roots starting to shrivel or soften
-
Once sprouting, keep in darkness until planting
You can have good ginger rhizomes ready to plant when the time comes if you get them from the right place and store them in the right way. Be sure to choose robust, fresh roots from reputable suppliers. After that, you can grow this tasty and useful plant at home.
Can You Grow Ginger Outside of a Tropical Climate?
Ginger is a tropical plant that originated in Southeast Asia. Its technically only cold hardy in zones 9 through 12 because it has zero frost tolerance. I used to grow ginger in Houston, but I didnt think it was possible once I moved up to Chicago.
Then I saw this video of Gardenary-certified garden coach Rachael Carter of Flora Culture Gardens harvesting her homegrown ginger… up in Michigan. I dont know if you know this, but the weather in Michigan is just about as opposite of tropical as you can get.
Needless to say, I was filled with envy and asked her what her secret is. The key, she says, is to start ginger indoors and then move it outside once the weather warms up (more on that in a bit).
So yes, growing ginger is possible even for you gardeners who live farther north. Get Our Complete Garden Planner Set.
Stay on top of your garden all year with both the Warm and Cool Season Garden Guides! This two-book set gives you at least six full months of expert guidance, ensuring you always know what to plant, how to care for your garden, and when to harvest.
How to Care for Ginger Plants
Your ginger plants dont need a whole lot of attention. The biggest thing is just to water them regularly. Ginger likes the soil to be consistently moist, so dont let the soil dry out between waterings. Water when the soil feels dry about 1 inch down (remember, those roots are pretty shallow. ).
About once a month, push some compost and/or earthworm castings around the base of your ginger plants to make sure they have plenty of nutrients.
Your ginger plant will push out lots of little leaves above ground, eventually growing as tall as 4 feet. You may notice some roots popping above the soil line—thats normal. You can push some compost over them, or leave them be.
When the weather drops into the 50s in the fall, your plants’ leaves will begin to fall off. The rhizomes should still be nice and protected in the soil. Youll just need to make sure you harvest or pot up your plants before you get freezing temps (32°F).
How to Grow Ginger in Containers And Get a Huge Harvest
FAQ
Can I grow ginger from a store-bought root?
If you are buying ginger from a store, soak the rhizomes in water overnight because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant. Put the rhizomes in the ground 2 to 4 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart. Make sure the growth buds point up. They can be planted whole or in smaller pieces with a couple of growing buds each.
How long does root ginger take to grow?
Avoid cold, wind or drafts at all costs. The growing tips at the end of each ‘finger’ of the rhizome will sprout quickly. Long, slim leaves will grow from the end, which look much like sprouting grass. Within eight to ten months, the ginger plant will be fully grown.
Where do you find ginger root in the grocery store?
Where Can I Find Ginger? Most grocery stores carry ginger in a few different forms: fresh—ginger in the “root” form can be found in the refrigerated section of the produce section Break off the portion you desire, and store (unpeeled) in your refrigerator or freezer.
Where do I get ginger to grow?
However, ginger can be grown from rhizomes purchased at supermarkets or other food stores. Before it is used, commercial ginger is often given a growth inhibitor to stop it from sprouting. However, pieces of ginger, especially those that are sold as organic, will sometimes start to sprout.