I've been fascinated with tropical gingers for a couple of years now. And, a couple of summers ago I was at a local nursery and picked up about 6-8 different gingers...most unlabeled and therefore on clearance...although I believe I have white butterfly and dr. moy in the mix. This year I've added the variegated shell ginger. I'm also going to try the culinary ginger.
Well, mine have been in the ground and have come back through two winters. I've got some growing in full sun, others in partial sun, some in shade. They look healthy, but I didn't get any blooms last year, and they don't seem to be expanding very much. Do they need time to develop a good clump before they bloom? Is patience the key?
There does not seem to be much information about growing gingers in zone 7. I feel like a pioneer. I would like to hear from others who are trying gingers in this zone and what kind of successes or failures you're experiencing.
Is there a good source, either book or online, that breaks down the different "classes" of gingers for the novice? I'm a bit overwhelmed.
Keep at it. I am new to this also. I have edible ginger in a pot and have just rooted galangal rhizome and red turmeric rhizome. The roots/rhizomes were sent to me by a GW member. There is a post about ""in ground"" ginger in our zone. I will attempt to find it and post it here.
Do you mulch your ginger to keep it from freezing in winter?? Does your partial shade ginger do better than your full sun ginger?
Thanks, I've got several gingers growing outside, and I think they just need more time to develop. Most of mine are growing in less than full sun, and they seem to be doing great. I am trying a couple varieties in full sun, however. I have excellent drainage here. I will probably mulch them this fall.
I'm located east of Mechanicsville. I'd love to share plants. I've got MANY antique roses as well as other plants.
