Ask A Scientist Botany Archive

 
name         pippa
status       student
age          16

Question -   I have an interst in growing plants from 
seed/bulb etc.   I have heard that it is possible to grow ginger from 
its root.  How would I go about this and would it make a 
difference if the ginger had been kept in a fridge first?
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Should be okay to sprout a ginger root that has been in the 
refrigerator, although may take some time if "dormant." The 
following might be helpful, recommends ginger root from organic 
food stores which has not been treated.
http://www.io.com/~wilsone/shadysweeties.htm

Anthony Brach Ph.D.
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Dear Pippa,
It should be possible to use ginger.  I have some large pieces of ginger 
that I have left on the counter for several weeks.  The older parts have 
dried a little but the ends which were spherical have grown tips that 
are slightly green.  I think if I were to put the whole piece horizontal 
and slightly under the soil surface and add water so the soil is moist 
but not saturated, it should grow.  It should be possible to use the 
ginger in the fridge as long as it has not been in the fridge for a very 
long time.  Take it out and let it lay on the counter and see if the tip 
begins to grow.  Otherwise, buy another piece, the larger the better, 
and with several spherical ends and once again, let it sit out for a 
week to see what happens before planting it.  Good luck!

--Jim Tokuhisa
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