Ginger Zingiber officinale
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southern Asia (cultigen; wild origin unknown). It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Ginger in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Ginger at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: rhizome, young shoots, flower buds |
| Native to | Southern Asia (cultigen; wild origin unknown) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Ginger toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
The rhizome is a common food and the plant is not listed as toxic to pets, 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 Ginger
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Ginger in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (6 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (8 plants)
Questions about Ginger
- How far apart should I plant Ginger?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Ginger need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ginger need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ginger?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- Is Ginger poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. The rhizome is a common food and the plant is not listed as toxic to pets, though large amounts can upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Ginger?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ginger. 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).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Rarely flowers in cultivation; grown from rhizome pieces as an annual crop in cool climates. Tops die back as the soil cools or dries, and the rhizome rests.
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
- Turmeric Curcuma longa
- Galangal Alpinia galanga
- 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