Ideas for community gardens < roots

Ginger is a spice widely used in cooking. It grows in tropical, subropical and warm temperate climates.

GINGER

Botanic name

• Zingiber officinale

Family

• Ziniberaceae

Growth form

• long, narrow leaves grow from stiff stem
• rhizomes (the root structure) form underground cluster
• grows to approximately one metre in height

Edible part

• knobbly rhizome used as spice to flavour food
• rhizome can be dried and grated
• eaten raw or used in cooking
• used as a tea
• medicinal uses

Cultivation

Ginger is a tropical/ subtropical perennial.

• shade tolerant
• prefers a hot, frost-free environment
• grows in a large container

Propagation:

• vegetative - sprouting rhizome planted
• prefers moist, well-drained soil

Centre of diversity

• South East Asia.

PAGE UPDATED... Wednesday, 16 January 2002