This is a simple question yet asked by many new ginger growers all over the world. I want to clarify the confusion. In this article, I have explained whether you should leave your gingers in the ground through the winter or not.
Don't have enough time to read the full article? Here is a direct answer:
If you are growing ginger in a frost-free area, it's safe to leave them in the ground through the winter. In colder regions where frost is a common thing to see, do not keep the gingers in the ground in winter.
The rest of the article is for the enthusiast gardeners who are intended to go deeper.
Factors that you need to consider to decide if you should keep the gingers in the ground in winter
There are lots of other factors that we need to consider, like the growing zone, whether the plants are potted or planted in the ground, and the ginger variety you are growing.
USDA Hardiness Zone Guide for Ginger
| Zone | Winter Care | Mulching or Protection Required? |
|---|---|---|
| 8-11 | Ginger can remain in the ground year-round. | Optional but recommended to improve winter growth. |
| 7 | Ginger may survive mild frost with heavy mulching. | Yes, thick mulch is needed for frost protection. |
| 6 and below | Frost and freezing temperatures will kill ginger. | Yes, dig up and store indoors before frost. |
You can take potted plants indoors to protect them from frosts or extreme cold. (In this case, no need to dig up the gingers to replant them in the next spring)
My suggestion to Zone 7 gardeners: If possible dig up the rhizomes before the first frost, store them in a cool, dry place, and replant in spring.
For those who don't know their growing zones, here are temperature guidelines for them:
| Temperature (°F) | Action |
|---|---|
| Above 50°F | Ginger can remain in the ground year-round. |
| 40°F to 50°F | Mulch heavily to protect from occasional frost. |
| Below 40°F | Dig up ginger and store indoors to prevent freezing damage. |
Ginger Varieties
| Ginger Variety | Description | Cold Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Zingiber officinale | Common edible ginger, spicy flavor. | Not frost-tolerant. |
| Zingiber mioga | Japanese ginger, edible flower buds. | Survives mild frost with mulch. |
| Curcuma longa | Turmeric, yellow rhizomes. | Frost-sensitive. |
| Alpinia galanga | Galangal, citrusy flavor. | Needs warm, humid conditions. |
Note: If the soil temperature falls below 50°F (10°C), it's time to cover the soil with mulch or simply dig up the gingers. (Consider the other factors as well)
Zone 7 Gardeners can check: Zone 7 Planting Schedule
North Texas Gardeners can check: North Texas Planting Calendar
Florida Gardeners can check: Florida planting calendar
