How to Grow Galangal in Australia
A warm-season herb for the long-term patch
Growing your own Galangal is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-6/week, fresh galangal is expensive and rarely available. Rhizomes multiply freely.
This guide covers when to plant Galangal in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Galangal is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Galangal part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Galangal into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 60 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
SE Asian kitchen staple. Divide rhizomes and plant horizontally. Grows beautifully in SEQ humidity. Harvest outer rhizomes after 10+ months.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Root rot in wet. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Galangal is typically ready to harvest within roughly 10 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge in a bag for 2 weeks, or freeze whole. Dried galangal lasts months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, galangal is good used in Thai and Indonesian curry pastes, infused into soups like tom yum, sliced into laksas and stir-fries and dried and ground as a spice. Nutritionally: contains compounds with medicinal properties and supports digestion and reduces inflammation.
Companion Planting
Galangal grows well alongside Chilli and Lemongrass. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Galangal Growing
Add galangal to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Galangal in Australia?
Galangal is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Galangal take to grow?
Galangal is generally ready to harvest within roughly 10 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Galangal in a pot?
Yes. Galangal grows well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Galangal need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Galangal in the Plant Library
