JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Ginger Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Can shell ginger be stored dormant overwinter?

Posted by rokal LongIsland/z6b (My Page) on
Thu, Mar 15, 07 at 14:50

I was wondering if variegated shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata') could be stored dormant for the winter in a cool basement (55-60F) with little or no lights? Can the branches be removed and the rhizomes stored similar to cannas?


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Can shell ginger be stored dormant overwinter?

I tried with 3 plants last fall and was unsuccessful. This year I am trying something different.

I have plants in 3 gal pots with 1 inch holes all along the sides submerged into the ground, The roots will find there way out and the plant will grow quickly.

BEFORE a frost, I will dig out the pot and trim back the roots, with minimal shock to the main root base. I will store in the cool garage under lights, and minimal water.

I was unsuccessful the 1st time around I think because A) i let a hard frost kill the leaves on a young plant and B) uprooting the rhizome may have been too much trauma.

I feel confident it can be achieved, it's a matter of trial, error and resources.


 o
RE: Can shell ginger be stored dormant overwinter?

I've stored mine in a pot with minimal watering in a dark area. In March it wants to start growing again. At this point I give it a bit more water and move it to a lighter situation. Mine was stored at around 60 degrees. It looks a bit ratty but is putting on new growth and should look real good in a few weeks.


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network