Galangal Plants, Thai Galangal:
Description: (Alpinia galanga) This ginger relative makes dense and pungent rhizomes, perfect for Southeast Asian and Arabic cuisine. A beautiful tropical, the plants reach an impressive 6 ½ feet tall. Galangal can be grown outdoors as a frost-sensitive perennial in USDA zones 9-12, but northern gardeners can grow this cold-sensitive plant in a pot, much like ginger or turmeric, bringing it inside when the weather turns cold. Galangal is native to Java; its rhizomes are similar to ginger, but notably stronger in flavor and harder to cut into. Galangal is essential to so many Thai dishes that it is nicknamed Thai Ginger.
Description: (Kaempferia parviflora). Black ginger is also known as Thai ginseng. The flesh of its rhizome is a lovely purple color that when dried turns nearly black. Its flavor is spicier and more astringent than regular ginger. Black ginger has been extensively studied for its medicinal benefits and is more commonly used in health products than cuisines. Grow in partial to full shade (4-6 hours of indirect sun - no more than 3 hours direct sun), in rich, well-draining soil. Good for growing in containers. Perennial in USDA zones 9 and warmer. Most plants will be 3-7 inches when shipped.
Description: (Zingiber officinale). Ginger root is the rhizome or underground stem of this Asian plant. Ginger root can be harvested at any time, but plants require several months of hot and fairly humid conditions to make the maximum yield. Plants may reach 4 feet in height. Mature roots are plump and sleek outside, white, juicy and aromatic within. Most plants will be 3”-7” in height.
Description: (Cucurma amada). Also known as Manga Inchi, Mango ginger is a close relative of turmeric. The rhizomes resemble common ginger but have a sweet, earthy flavor reminiscent of raw mango. Mango ginger is often pickled, and in South Asian cooking it is added to salads or stir fries. In traditional medicine, it is also known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Description: (Alpinia purpurata) This ginger is a tropical perennial native to the South Pacific and naturalized in Hawaii after being introduced there in the 1930s. This stunning ornamental ginger has leafy, cane-like stems, long and tapered leaves of deep green, showy red inflorescences and tiny white flowers. Red ginger grows best in temperatures above 60 F, nutrient-rich soil kept moist (but not waterlogged), and it prefers full sun. The plants can grow to 15 feet and about two feet around. Red Ginger is wonderful as a cut flower.
Description: (Zingiber zerumet) This variety is also often called Shampoo Ginger Lily because the flower head produces a ginger-infused, soapy liquid that is used in hair products. Red Pinecone ginger originated in India but has naturalized in Hawaii. While the rhizomes are edible, they taste bitter and are mostly used in traditional medicine. Whether grown in the garden or indoors in a greenhouse or pots, the red cone-shaped flower heads are a feast for the eyes. Red Pinecone ginger prefers partial to full shade with at least six hours of daylight each day, soil that is nutrient rich but slightly acidic to neutral, and consistently moist but not sopping wet. It is perennial in USDA zones 9 and warmer.
Description: (Zingiber officinale) This ginger variety from Thailand is a favorite of the Baker Creek garden crew, loved for its beautiful foliage and juicy, aromatic rhizomes. The culinary possibilities with this tropical plant are endless!
