Ginger is a tasty spice with an exotic taste that you either love or hate. You can find the plant the root practically anywhere, as paste, whole, or powder. You can use this spice in the kitchen to add a taste of Asian flavor to your dishes. If you consume a lot of this healthy spice, you might benefit from planting it in your garden. But keep in mind that it is a tropical plant that might be challenging to grow in regions that do not offer constant warmth and humidity.
Most of this spice we consume comes from China, India, or West Africa, where people also grow it in their backyard with no problems. Under optimal conditions, the ginger plant spreads aggressively: you’ll need to keep it under control if you like in subtropical or tropical areas. In general, you can expect to be successful at growing it all year round in Louisiana, Florida, Southern Texas, Hawaii, California, and Southern Arizona.
But can you grow ginger in the Pacific Northwest? And what can you do to make the most out of this tropical plant? Keep reading to find out!
Can you Grow Ginger in the Pacific Northwest?
For starters, let’s clarify that the Pacific Northwest is a region that includes the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The area lies in USDA hardiness zones between 7 and 9. As we mentioned, these tropical plants prefer to grow in warm and humid regions. Indeed, it won’t stand temperatures below 50F or lower.
But luckily, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a go harvesting your ginger plants! Indeed, with the proper care, you’ll be able to grow ginger plants successfully, even in the colder regions of the country. But what can you do to recreate the optimal conditions for this spice to grow in your property? You are in the right place to discover that.
In the following section, we collected our tips and tricks to ensure your ginger plants will successfully grow, even if you live in the Pacific Northwest. Don’t despair: creating an optimal environment for your plants to thrive isn’t as challenging as you think. And all the efforts will be worth it in the end.
How to Grow Ginger in the Pacific Northwest: Our Tips
Get a couple of rhizomes from your local grocery store or market to plant your ginger. Choose roots that are large and healthy-looking: they should be about four to six inches long and have multiple fingers extending from the tips.
To grow your plant, start by slicing off the fingers. Each rhizome should be about one to two inches long and have at least one bud. Before planting them in the soil, allow the pieces to dry for at least 24 hours. Beware: don’t be impatient and skip this step: it is crucial to minimize the risk of root rot.
Pick a location for your plants that doesn’t receive too much sun. Indeed, these plants prefer full to partial shade. Don’t forget that these spices won’t survive freezing temperatures and will most likely suffer in cold weather. Avoid exposing your plant to such conditions. Also, ensure the soil is rich in nutrients and well-draining. You can even grow it as an indoor plant, especially if you live in the most northern regions.
However, keep in mind that ginger plants are not attractive: if you are looking for something to brighten a corner of your house, consider getting a different species. If you like the idea of growing ginger indoors, place your plant in a container with drainage holes. Locate it next to a bright window and consider getting a humidifier to ensure you keep the conditions optimal for the plant’s growth.
However, if you prefer growing your plants outdoors (without moving them inside when winter comes), you can do so if your region doesn’t experience frosts. Your plant might go dormant but will come back as soon as temperatures rise. Otherwise, consider growing it as a houseplant.
Ginger loves nutrition: don’t forget to amend the soil with compost or manure, especially if your substrate is poor in nutrients. For best results, plant your ginger in the spring: it will allow your plants enough time to establish themselves before the summer and harden for the winter.
Plant the sections you cut at a distance of about 12 inches and no more than one inch deep. Remember to water your ginger thoroughly after planting. If you followed our instructions, expect leaves to appear in about one week. In a couple of weeks more, your plant will have developed roots. Under optimal conditions, your ginger will grow up to four feet tall.
Can you Grow Ginger in The Pacific Northwest?: Conclusion
And there you are: you know how to grow ginger in the Pacific Northwest!
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