Galangal Alpinia galanga
Galangal (Alpinia galanga) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family, native to Maritime Southeast Asia (Java and Indonesia). It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
Plan Galangal in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Galangal at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 43–71 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: rhizome, young shoots, flower buds |
| Native to | Maritime Southeast Asia (Java and Indonesia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Galangal toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
The rhizome is a culinary spice; not documented as toxic, though large amounts can upset the stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Galangal
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Galangal in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (3 plants)
- Gardens by the Bay (4 plants)
Questions about Galangal
- How far apart should I plant Galangal?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Galangal need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Galangal need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Galangal?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Galangal flower?
- About 43–71 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks.
- Is Galangal poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. The rhizome is a culinary spice; not documented as toxic, though large amounts can upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Galangal?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Galangal. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Greater galangal, a tall evergreen reed-like clump in the tropics; tops die back in cool seasons and the rhizome is damaged below about 0 C.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Ginger Zingiber officinale
- Turmeric Curcuma longa
- Torch ginger Etlingera elatior
- Shell ginger Alpinia zerumbet
- Red ginger Alpinia purpurata
- Beehive ginger Zingiber spectabile
- Siam tulip Curcuma alismatifolia
- White ginger lily Hedychium coronarium