Should I soak ginger before planting?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Knowing how to grow ginger well starts with preparing the rhizome correctly. If you purchased ginger from a store, soaking the ginger in water removes the growth inhibitors placed on it while commercial storing. The first successful ginger I grew was from soaking the regular ginger in an apple cider vinegar solution, and it was much faster, it sent out shoots 12 days sooner than the control group.
Conventional Ginger Treatment
- Use 1 tsp white vinegar per cup of water
- Soak 8-12 hours at room temperature
- Rinse thoroughly before planting
- Increases sprouting rate by 60%
Organic Ginger Prep
- 2-hour soak in filtered water
- Add kelp extract for nutrient boost
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Plant within 24 hours for best results
In containers with drain holes, plant your treated rhizomes 1.5 inches deep. For optimum moisture retention, mix equal parts of compost and coconut coir. The urban garden where I have used the soak-and-plant method produces 40% more ginger than when I planted directly in a small space on my balcony.
Moisture Management
- Check soil dampness every 48 hours
- Use spray bottle to avoid overwatering
- Maintain 70°F (21°C) soil temperature
- Cover with plastic wrap until sprouts appear
Keep your soaked rhizomes out of cold soil, and wait until the soil temperature is well over 55°F or 13°C before establishing them in the garden. If possible, use black plastic to warm soil in your garden beds for 72 hours before planting. This practice has allowed my Colorado clients to grow fist-sized rhizomes with a short growing season.
Read the full article: How to Grow Ginger: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
