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Ginger

SteveP5bSteveP5b Posts: 47
in Plants
I've been growing ginger for years in pots and dividing each year with the last piece put in the flower bed and it has over wintered and is growing away nicely. I would like to eat it but do not know if the variety is edible as it was given to me. I wonder if you knowledgeable types could shine some light for me?
The plant grows to around a Meter high and has white flowers , similar to the picture

Posts

  • SteveP5bSteveP5b Posts: 47
    Thank you.
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Hello Steve
     
    Hawaiian Ginger.  No it, is not edible.

    It has a divine scene though.  My parents had this growing on their property in NZ.  Gorgeous plant.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • SteveP5bSteveP5b Posts: 47
    I took a few snaps today to help identify which variety this plant could be. 
  • SteveP5bSteveP5b Posts: 47
    Thank you tui34 for your input
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If you want to grow edible ginger, you could try planting a root from the supermarket. https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-ginger/
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    The ginger you can eat is Zingiber  officinale. What you have is known as a flowering ginger but is a Hedychium.  Hedychium is not edible,not very hardy,  but some of them have gorgeous scented flowers.
  • PhaidraPhaidra Posts: 582
    I grow the edible sort and though it usually does well, this year it's not playing ball. 
    My neighbour tells me, it likes it warm and damp but not scorchingly sunny.  
    I t has in the past!

    O well, let's hope I do better next year, as I rather like the stuff.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Another plant from the family that's worth considering is Cautleya Spicata, for a hardier version this one is worth a try if you like your flowers bright. The drought killed mine but it was a lovely accent. 
    https://www.avonbulbs.co.uk/spring-planted-bulbs/cautleya/cautleya-spicata-robusta
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
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