How to grow Native Ginger in Australia

Where to plant

Native ginger is an understorey plant of rainforest margins. It does best in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, though it is hardy and tolerates part sun; very hot sun can burn the leaves. Its tall stems are best sheltered from strong or drying winds.

It is not frost tolerant, so it suits warm coastal gardens. In its home climate it grows vigorously, and in the tropical north it can spread and take over a bed, so give it room or contain it.

• South East Queensland, the Northern Rivers and Sydney: within or close to its natural range, and easy in a shady, moist spot.
• North Queensland and Darwin: thrives in shade. Watch that the clump does not spread too far.
• Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Hobart: not suited outdoors, as it needs warmth and humidity year round and is damaged by frost. A potted plant in a sheltered, frost-free spot or indoors is the only option.

Choosing a variety

Plants are sold by native and bush food nurseries. A form from the Atherton area has attractive red undersides to the leaves; it is grown and eaten the same way.

How to plant

1. Plant a potted plant or a piece of rhizome with a growing shoot in spring or summer.
2. Dig plenty of compost into the planting area.
3. Plant the rhizome just below the surface, or the potted plant at the same depth as in its pot.
4. Water in well and mulch thickly, especially before summer.
5. Keep the soil moist while the clump establishes.

Watering and feeding

Native ginger tolerates short dry spells but prefers moist soil, so water during extended dry periods and keep it well mulched. Plants in pots need regular watering.

Feed regularly through the warm months with an organic liquid fertiliser or worm juice for lush new growth, and top up compost and mulch each year.

Pruning and care through the year

• Cut old, untidy stems to the ground; new shoots replace them.
• Divide large clumps by cutting off sections of rhizome with shoots, which also gives new plants.
• In the tropics, dig out pieces that spread beyond where you want the clump.

Harvesting

Dig at the edge of the clump to find the young, growing tips of the rhizome, and cut what you need without disturbing the whole plant. New shoots can also be cut and eaten.

Small, fragrant white flowers appear in spring and summer, followed by round blue fruit that stays on the plant for months. Pick berries only when they are fully blue, not green.

Growing in pots

Native ginger grows well in a large pot at least 30 cm wide, in shade, with rich potting mix kept moist. In cooler areas a potted plant can live in a bright, sheltered spot or indoors, though it may not flower or fruit as readily.

Using it

Eat the young rhizome tips raw for a crunchy, mild ginger flavour, or use them in place of, or alongside, ginger or galangal in curries and other dishes. Shoots are eaten raw or cooked. The leaves can be used to wrap fish or prawns for steaming. The blue berries contain many black seeds surrounded by a thin layer of tangy, lemony white pulp, which is sucked off the seeds as a taste.

Propagation

Dividing the rhizome is the easiest method, and new divisions establish quickly. Seed can be sown fresh as soon as it is ripe and left undisturbed; it takes about two months to germinate.