Yes, you can absolutely replant store bought ginger. Ginger is a plant that can be regrown from a piece of its rhizome (root). Even if the ginger has been previously harvested and purchased from a grocery store, it still contains living tissue capable of producing new growth.
What conditions does ginger need to regrow?
Ginger needs warm, humid conditions to regrow. Ideal temperatures are between 68-86°F. It also prefers filtered sunlight or bright shade. Ginger grown directly in the ground thrives best in rich, moist, well-draining soil. However, it can also be grown indoors in a pot with potting mix.
Soil
Use a good quality potting mix if growing ginger in a container. The soil should retain moisture but still drain well. Add compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients if needed. An ideal pH range is 6.0-6.5.
Water
Water ginger frequently to keep the soil consistently moist. But avoid soggy soil conditions, which can cause rotting. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Sunlight
Ginger needs bright, filtered light. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the leaves. Indoors, place the ginger plant near a sunny window. Outdoors, choose a location with partial sun or shade.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. This will provide ginger with the key nutrients it needs like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Humidity
Maintain 40-60% relative humidity around ginger plants. Increase humidity by misting the leaves daily or using a pebble tray.
How to replant store bought ginger?
Follow these simple steps for replanting store bought ginger:
- Select a plump, firm ginger root that has visible “eyes” or growth buds.
- Soak it in room temperature water overnight. This rehydrates the root and stimulates growth.
- Fill a container with rich, well-draining potting mix. Leave 3-4 inches between the soil line and the rim for watering.
- Plant the ginger horizontally just below the soil surface with the eye buds facing up.
- Water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not saturated.
- Place the potted ginger in a warm spot with filtered sunlight.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet.
- Fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.
- Harvest ginger when the leaves start to yellow. Carefully dig up the roots and snap off a piece to replant again.
The key is choosing a fresh, plump piece of ginger and stimulating growth by pre-soaking. Give it proper warmth, humidity, sunlight, and moisture in order to regrow successfully.
What size piece of ginger should be replanted?
Typically a 2-4 inch piece of ginger root with visible growth buds is ideal for replanting. Select a thick finger-like rhizome that has a few plump eye buds from which new shoots can emerge. The buds protrude slightly and may be lighter or reddish-brown in color compared to the root. Avoid using thin, dried out pieces or slices cut from the main root, as these often fail to regrow.
Here are some recommended sizes for replanting ginger:
- 2-3 inch rhizome – For planting in a 3-5 inch pot
- 3-4 inch rhizome – For planting in a 6-8 inch pot
- 5-6 inch rhizome – For planting directly in the ground
Make sure to plant the rhizome horizontally 1-2 inches below the soil with the eye buds facing up. Bigger pieces will yield larger roots and more vigorous growth. But even smaller buds are capable of producing new plants.
What types of ginger can be replanted?
Most types of edible ginger varieties purchased from the grocery store can be replanted. Here are some of the most common kinds:
Yellow Ginger
Yellow ginger has a pale skin and yellowish interior flesh. It has a mildly spicy, citrusy flavor. Yellow ginger tends to be juicy and tender.
White Ginger
White ginger has a light tan exterior and white interior flesh. It is very mild in flavor with hints of lemon. The texture is crunchy and fibrous.
Red Ginger
Red ginger has a blush pink to red skin with a yellow interior. It has a bold, spicy taste compared to other varieties. The flesh is firm and fiber-rich.
Baby Ginger
Baby ginger is simply harvested early before the root fully matures. It has thinner skin and tender flesh with mild to moderate spice.
Many generic fresh gingers are also suitable for replanting. The key is choosing rhizomes that are firm, plump, and have visible buds. Soft, withered roots may not successfully regrow.
How long does it take for replanted ginger to grow?
It typically takes 4-6 months for replanted ginger to fully reestablish and produce rhizomes large enough to harvest. Here is an approximate timeline:
- 1 month – Shoots and leaves emerge from buds
- 2-3 months – Leaves and stems actively grow, new roots form
- 4-5 months – Rhizomes swell and enlarge
- 6+ months – Ginger is mature and can be harvested
The initial sprouts may show in just a few weeks. But it takes several months of growing to build up the ginger’s nutrients and yield a sizable harvest. Patience is required when regrowing ginger. Home conditions may result in slower growth than commercial ginger farms.
Tips to speed up growth:
- Start with a large, healthy rhizome
- Give plenty of warmth and humidity
- Fertilize regularly to encourage growth
- Ensure moist soil conditions
- Allow plenty of indirect sunlight
What are the signs that replanted ginger is ready to harvest?
Watch for these signs that replanted ginger is mature and ready for harvest:
- Leaves start yellowing and dying back
- Stems droop over
- Rhizome feels swollen and enlarged
- Skin changes from smooth to more wrinkled
- Ginger has been growing for at least 6-9 months
The most obvious indicator is when the leaves turn pale yellow and begin to wilt or fall over. This signals that the ginger root is fully developed and has started redirecting energy and nutrients from the leaves back into the rhizome. Avoid harvesting too early before the proper rhizome size is reached.
Ideal harvesting time
For the best flavor and texture, plan to harvest ginger when it is 9-10 months old. At this point, the ginger will be fully mature with developed spicy, aromatic oils in the rhizome. Harvsting earlier at 6 months may yield younger tender ginger but with less intense flavor.
Will the replanted ginger produce more ginger for replanting again?
Yes, ginger that is replanted from a store bought rhizome can be continually harvested and replanted. Each growing cycle produces new buds on the rhizome which can be used to propagate additional ginger plants.
To keep the cycle going:
- Select a large, healthy piece of the harvested ginger to replant
- Look for newly formed buds and shoots
- Soak and plant the rhizome buds facing up as before
- Nurture the ginger for 6-9 months to maturity
- Harvest again, keeping some rhizome to replant
With each successive generation, the ginger may lose some vigor. Periodically start over with a fresh store bought piece for best results. But under ideal growing conditions, many cycles of replanting are achievable.
Troubleshooting problems with replanted ginger:
Here are some potential problems and solutions for replanting ginger successfully:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No sprouts or growth emerging |
|
| Leaves turning yellow or wilting |
|
| Weak, stunted growth |
|
| Rotten rhizome |
|
Conclusion
Ginger purchased at the grocery store can be reused to grow productive ginger plants at home with the right conditions. Select a plump rhizome piece 2-4 inches long containing visible growth buds. Soak overnight before planting just under the soil in a warm, humid, bright location. Maintain moist soil and fertilize regularly. Look for leaves yellowing and dying back after 6 or more months as a sign to harvest the replanted ginger. The resulting rhizomes can be continually replanted in this way for an endless ginger supply.
