Ginger is a monocotyledon plant scientifically known as ( Zingiber Officinale– Rosco) which are planted for ornamental purposes, culinary purposes as well as for medicinal purposes. Ginger is a perennial plant classified as a rhizome. Rhizomes are horizontal fleshy stems that grow in the soil; the nodes send out the roots and shoots and enables the shoots grow upwards. Unlike the root plant which serves as the hold of the plant in the soil. Rhizomes have the ability to store nutrients that helps hold the plant survive tough period.
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WHAT SPECIE OF GINGER CAN YOU PLANT IN SOUTH AFRICA?
There are over 1500 species of ginger across Asia, America and Africa. Some of the type which are baby ginger, yellow ginger root, Thai ginger( galangal) ,turmeric, hidden ginger (curcuma), beehive ginger, crepe ginger, mango ginger, Japanese ginger, etc.
The most popular ginger in south Africa is the wild ginger because it originated from there, this does not hinder you from planting other types of ginger. In south Africa, ginger is grown as an annual crop.
WHERE IS GINGER GROWN IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Ginger generally grows well in a warmer climate. This is important. Gingers in south Africa are restricted to some areas especially the wild ginger. Notwithstanding, you can plant it as long as you have the required materials and conditions to promote its growth. With this, you can plant it in your farm, garden or even a pot at home.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE GINGER PLANT TO GROW?
The total duration of the growth of a ginger plant can be from 10 months of which it is mostly between 9- 10 months depending on the procedure used and cultivation habits any other duration lesser than that is partial maturity which also depends on the purpose of the ginger and the type whether late ginger, early ginger or mid season ginger. The nature of ginger plant requires much nutrients by watering, irrigating and fertilizing be it as it may. This is approximately when it has attained the height of 3-4 inches.
HOW TO PLANT GINGER?
Fresh ginger is always advised to be purchased. Wherever you are purchasing it from, ensure that it is fresh, hydrated. As earlier said, Ginger is a plant that requires high watering, enough sunlight and space for growing. You can decide to plant 5-7 or 6-8 inches apart and 1 1/2 – 4 inches deep. You just have to ensure that it is well covered with soil on all sides and no exposure.
The part of ginger you plant is any where you cut because Ginger has nodes and can therefore grow from any part as it is a rhizome plant.
1) Cut the Ginger into Parts and let it dry naturally with no extra effects, extreme sunlight or watering . After this, you follow the spacing and depth description given above.
2) Prepare your soil. Ginger is best cultivated on loamy soil. It’s components satisfy the germination conditions which includes damp soil, well draining soil, high nutrients soil, warm temperature (30-35 degrees)among many others. Prepare your soil either on a farm, garden or pot.
3) Plough the soil to make it easy for harvesting
4) Endeavour to enrich the soil with manure gotten from animal waste(compost manure) a month before and if possible, analyze your soil to know the nutrients viability.
5) Plant the cut ginger and wet the soil. If the bud has started growing, plant it upwards and if not, just plant it normally not minding the sides to face up. After doing this, you have to constantly water and wait for it to sprout.
WHEN SHOULD I PLANT GINGER IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Ginger grows in mild and warm temperature so the best time to plant it in south Africa is early spring which is from august to October. Late ginger is estimated to be harvested in June/ July. early ginger is estimated to be harvested February and early march while mid season ginger is estimated to be harvested in April/ May.
HOW TO HARVEST GINGER?
Before harvesting, wait for your ginger sprout to completely go through the process of flowering before you can uproot the plant. You can uproot it all or better still, cut off part of it by digging the soil and seeing the visible rhizome., cut of the ginger in the soil and cover the soil to make it continue growing. The harvested ginger should be washed off with warm water and afterwards stored in a refrigerator.
HOW TO STORE GINGER?
Storing your harvested ginger in the refrigerator, pit storage or naturally air drying is acceptable and safe.
Conclusion
I hope this article helps know when to plant ginger in South Africa. I would like to hear from you. So, let me know if you have any questions. Also, learn how long it takes ginger to grow here.
References
- “Leveraging early dry season planting of ginger under irrigation to enhance production from bacterial wilt infected seed rhizome” retrieved from here
- “Ginger – How long does it take to grow and harvest ginger” retrieved from here
