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Home › Herbs and Spices › Is it possible to grow ginger in Russia and what is needed for this
Ginger is a perennial herb that is widely used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. Gardeners make every effort to grow this subtropical plant, but the results are not always positive.
Description of ginger
The structure of ginger deserves special attention:
- Root. The rhizome is light brown, branched, fleshy, forming a row of tubers up to 10 cm long.
- The stems grow from rhizomes that are covered with long leaves. The height of barren shoots is approximately 100 cm. The length of flowering shoots is much shorter.
- Leaves. The shape is lanceolate. The leaves are long, completely cover the stem, and grow in 2 rows.
- The flowers are large, yellow, green-yellow with an admixture of violet or purple.
- Fetus. In appearance it resembles a bag.
Important! You can tell that a plant is ripe by its leaves: they turn yellow and fall off.
What does the plant look like?
We learned where ginger grows and where the plant comes from, which has become an integral part of many dishes. It's time to talk about what external characteristics it has.
Fun fact - the plant got its name precisely from the appearance of the root, its most valuable part. Translated from ancient Indian, the word means “in the shape of a horn.” This best characterizes the external characteristics of the spice.
What does ginger look like and what are its characteristics? The plant resembles sedge - the long stems have a scaly covering and reach a height of 1-1.5 meters. The leaves are long, narrow and lanceolate, with a pointed tip.
- Leaf length – 10-15 centimeters;
- Width – 1 centimeter.
The stems on which the flowers are located reach a height of 30 centimeters. The flowers are tubular in shape and consist of three petals.
- They are small in size and light lilac in color;
- The color is often scarlet or lemon;
- They have a pleasant aroma.
Distribution history
The history of the spread of spice is closely connected with the countries of South Asia. Chinese sailors used ginger tincture as a medicine to treat nausea and seasickness. Over time, rumors about the miracle cure spread among sailors and discoverers.
In the Middle Ages, during an expedition, the Italian traveler Mark Polo brought ginger to Europe. The Romans appreciated the beneficial properties of the plant and began to use it as a cosmetic and seasoning.
The culture was brought to America at the beginning of the 16th century and gained popularity in record time.
Important! In the Middle Ages, the plant was believed to have miraculous properties that helped fight the plague.
The history of the plant begins BC. e.
Beneficial features
Ginger root is widely used in traditional and folk medicine. Medicinal compositions based on it improve digestion, relieve cramps in the intestines, and prevent bloating and gas formation. As a means of prevention, the spice is consumed after meals. It eliminates bad breath, prevents heartburn, and activates metabolism.
Ginger is often used to treat viral infections, purulent tonsillitis, and bronchitis. The spice enhances the body's immune defense, warms and promotes better mucus discharge. Ginger decoction or tea is effective against colds.
Regular consumption of ginger root improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. The spice removes harmful cholesterol from the body and prevents the formation of blood clots. It is especially useful to regularly add spice to food for older people. It improves blood circulation in the vessels of the brain and prevents memory impairment.
On a note!
Ginger is a potent aphrodisiac. It strengthens male potency and improves libido.
When consumed regularly, ginger helps to get rid of excess weight, but does not burn fat. The positive effect of the spice is to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland and accelerate metabolic processes in the body. The product also has a laxative effect and improves kidney function. Ginger decoction is useful as a snack. It relieves hunger and cleanses the body of toxins and waste.
Ginger root decoctions are beneficial for the skin. They reduce pore size, eliminate unnecessary pigmentation, prevent the formation of age-related wrinkles and decreased skin tone.
Where are you from?
Ginger, whose homeland is located in Southeast Asia, is a rather capricious crop. The warm tropical climate is considered the most comfortable place for a light-loving culture.
Scientists have established that the first use of the plant occurred in the 2nd century BC. e. in ancient India and China, where it was believed that the smell of the plant repels evil spirits.
Nowadays, India is the main supplier from where ginger is brought to Russia and other countries. In addition to India, the plant is grown in China, Japan, West Africa and Vietnam.
Kinds
There are two types of ginger: wild and cultivated.
Wild
Wild, in appearance it resembles reeds or reeds. It is distinguished by a thick rhizome with many branches. The crop growing in the wild can reach a height of up to 2 meters.
Cultivated
A feature of the cultivated species is the lack of need for special care. In subtropical and tropical climates, the plant is planted like potatoes. Cultivated ginger reaches a height of up to 160 cm.
It is almost impossible to find culture in the wild
Growing methods in Russia
Many gardeners who respect this crop are wondering where ginger grows in Russia and how to grow it on their site. So, it is worth noting that even if it can be grown in our country, then only in a greenhouse or at home; an open plot in the garden is not suitable for this purpose.
At home
A ginger tree can be grown on a windowsill in an ordinary city apartment, using seeds and rhizomes. However, for the process to be crowned with success, it is necessary to treat it with special trepidation and attention.
Important! At home, Russian ginger is grown as an annual.
Growing a culture in your own home is not difficult, it is important to pay special attention to it
Seeds
This method is very complicated, so it is rarely used. For the process to be successful, it is necessary to choose selected planting material.
So:
- For sowing you will need loose, fertile soil and a shallow container.
- The pot with soil is moistened with settled, warm water.
- The seeds are distributed on the surface of the soil and sprinkled with a thin layer of substrate.
- It is forbidden to moisten crops.
- The container is covered with transparent material.
- If planting was done correctly, the first shoots will appear within 20-30 days.
- You need to keep the seedlings on the window, providing them with darkness in the heat.
- Watering is carried out with a thin stream of water along the edge of the container.
- When the first leaves form, the shoots need to be planted in different containers.
In greenhouses
It takes about 8 months to grow ginger from rhizomes in a greenhouse.
They work like this:
- Before planting, the rhizomes are germinated at home, starting in February.
- For planting, it is necessary to choose loose and nutritious soil, as well as a container with a drainage layer of about 3 cm. The rhizomes are watered once, then avoid watering until the first shoots form.
- In the spring, when the temperature in the greenhouse reaches 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, seedlings begin to be transplanted. To do this, you will need to prepare holes 15 cm deep. The buds of the seedlings should be above the soil, and the distance between the seedlings should be 10-15 cm.
- Seedlings should be watered abundantly, and the soil should be loosened to a depth of 1 cm after watering.
Important! If the sun's rays fall on the garden bed, you need to organize artificial darkening.
Ginger does not tolerate prolonged sun exposure.
Growing conditions and care
Regardless of the growing method, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the growth of the crop:
- the plant prefers areas where the sun is present until 12 noon;
- absolutely does not tolerate drafts;
- Temperatures from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius are suitable for maintenance; at temperatures below 14 degrees Celsius, the culture dies.
Interesting Facts
This plant has long been loved by the inhabitants of Russia. The use of spices has its own history:
- The description of ginger root accurately reflected its appearance. The intertwined thick rhizome amazed people. The vegetable is still called “stag”.
- Gingerbread cookies soon began to be called “gingerbread” because of their spicy taste. This component is still used in recipes today.
The root is most often eaten. But beneficial substances are contained in the stem and leaves. They are also recommended to be used
But it is important to consider: removing each leaf weakens the plant. The root will be thin and tasteless. Spicy vegetable popular all over the world
Countries where ginger is grown receive up to 30% of the total trade turnover from its sales.
- Under natural conditions, the plant grows above 1.5 m. Planted at home it is rarely higher than half a meter.
- Some people like the specific lemony smell of the plant. It is emitted by terrestrial parts. A flower placed on the windowsill refreshes the air.
- When choosing planting material, gardeners will have to work hard. Sellers break off parts of the plant with eyes: the sprouted root loses its elasticity and shrinks.
- In medieval Europe, the vegetable was considered an excellent aphrodisiac. It was included in love potions. Modern medicine uses the properties of the spice to create drugs to increase potency in men. Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction include root extract.
- Anyone can grow ginger. The technique replicates the cultivation of potatoes. But keep in mind: before use, it should be soaked in cold water for 2-3 hours. Change the water every half hour. It is recommended to try in small pieces (otherwise you may get a burn to the mouth and esophagus).
- Before planting roots, you should familiarize yourself with the climate of the regions where ginger is grown. It is recommended to visit the sites of famous plantations. This will help create the necessary conditions.
- Doctors are convinced that fresh and dried roots act differently. Preparations from the fresh plant treat colds. Dried - helps with memory loss, gastrointestinal problems, rheumatism, arthritis.
- The properties of ginger root are used in everyday life. To purify the air from harmful bacteria, it is enough to place the root cut into pieces in different parts of the room. Tea made from it will relieve sore throats. Adding it to food will strengthen the immune system in the autumn-winter period.
Uncontrolled long-term consumption of vegetables causes poisoning and depression. The product is not recommended for use by people with allergic diseases.
Treatment with root preparations should be under the supervision of a physician.
Consequences of unsuitable climatic conditions
If ginger is planted in an environment unsuitable for it, then it is likely that a good harvest will not be possible. If a plant is planted in unsuitable climatic conditions, the consequences may be as follows:
- the culture will look sick;
- the above-ground mass turns yellow and rots;
- height below the accepted norm;
- root vegetables are small in size.
It is important to know not only where ginger is obtained, but also how to grow it correctly. Growing this crop in the Russian Federation is a kind of know-how. The process itself is long and complex, but the end result is an environmentally friendly, organically grown vegetable.
Selection of planting material (root) and its preparation for planting
There are few varieties that can be grown in open ground. The most interesting of them are the decorative varieties Kasumunar (beautiful white flowers look like an orchid), Purple (large, brightly colored flowers), Zerumbet (flowers like roses).
And the varieties that are used as seasonings are the Indian variety (has a lemony aroma), the Jamaican variety (added to various dishes and drinks, has a subtle aroma), and the Australian variety (with a sweet flavor, used in cooking).
Ginger is grown from the roots, which are now sold in any grocery or vegetable store. But you should choose the right rhizomes. They must be fresh, have a smooth surface and a light cream color, and of course there must be buds on the ginger root. There is no need to buy damaged and shriveled root vegetables.
Before planting, purchased roots must be soaked in warm water for several hours to awaken the buds. If the root is large, then it can be divided into several parts (each weighing at least 4-6g). Each of them must have at least one or two buds. The cut site must be treated with a biofungicide or at least a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then sprinkled with wood ash, this will guarantee that the plant will not get sick.