Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical rhizome. The plant naturally thrives in high-humidity, dappled-sunlight conditions, which stands in stark contrast to Arizona’s intense, dry heat and low moisture. Successfully growing ginger here requires the deliberate creation of a protective microclimate that compensates for the harsh desert elements. This guide outlines the strategies necessary for cultivation during the extreme Arizona growing season.
Preparing for the Arizona Growing Season
The first step involves securing organic, plump, and unblemished rhizomes, ideally purchased from a reputable seed supplier to avoid growth inhibitors often found on conventional grocery store ginger. Examine the pieces for the “eyes” or buds where new shoots will emerge. Once acquired, the rhizomes must be pre-sprouted indoors to maximize the short outdoor growing window in the desert.
To initiate growth, place the rhizome pieces in a tray of lightly moist, soilless media, such as cocopeat, and keep them in a warm environment, ideally between 70°F and 80°F. Bottom heat from a heating mat speeds up this process, which takes four to six weeks before green shoots break the surface. Outdoor transplanting should wait until late spring or early summer when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 55°F, avoiding both cold soil and the most extreme heat.
Creating the Necessary Microclimate
Ginger is an understory plant, requiring protection from direct sun. Plant in a location that receives full shade or, at most, mild morning sun followed by complete afternoon shade. Installing a 50% shade cloth structure over the growing area is the most reliable method for providing the consistent, filtered light ginger prefers.
Growing ginger in containers is beneficial in the desert, as it allows for better control over soil composition and drainage, and makes relocation easier when temperatures peak. The soil mix must be loose, rich, and highly organic, such as a sandy loam heavily amended with compost. This mix must retain moisture while simultaneously draining quickly, as rhizomes will rot quickly in soggy conditions but cannot tolerate drying out completely.
Summer Watering and Feeding Strategies
Maintaining consistent moisture and elevated humidity during the intense Arizona summer is the most challenging aspect of desert ginger cultivation. Plants grown in containers will likely require daily watering, or every other day for larger pots, to keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. Watering should be deep to saturate the root zone, but allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between applications.
To counteract the desert’s low humidity, supplemental measures are necessary. Misting the foliage with water daily, particularly in the morning, can temporarily raise the immediate humidity around the plant. Placing the containers on trays filled with pebbles and water is another technique, as the evaporation increases moisture near the leaves. Ginger is a heavy feeder, requiring regular fertilization during its active growth period to support the development of foliage and rhizomes. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 5-5-5 or 10-10-10 NPK ratio, every four to six weeks to provide the necessary nutrients.
Harvesting and Winter Protection
The ginger growing cycle concludes in the late fall or early winter when temperatures drop. The plant enters dormancy, signaled by the yellowing and eventual dieback of the stems and foliage. For a mature harvest, wait until the stalks have completely yellowed, which typically occurs eight to ten months after planting.
Harvesting involves carefully digging up the entire clump of rhizomes with a garden fork. Clean the harvested rhizomes of soil and allow them to cure for a few days at room temperature to form a protective skin before storage. For overwintering, potted ginger must be moved indoors before temperatures fall consistently below 55°F. In the mildest parts of the Arizona desert, in-ground plants can sometimes survive the winter if covered with a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to insulate the rhizomes from cold snaps or frost.