Hi, Can I grow ginger indoors in Ottawa?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a tropical understorey plant, is a good candidate for growing indoors. While it does not need full sun, it is very slow growing, so you will need to be patient. When purchasing the ginger rhizome, choose one that is plump and firm. Soak it overnight to remove the growth-inhibitor usually applied to store-bought ginger. Plant it shallowly, with the eyes facing up, in a rich but well-draining potting mix, with the soil barely covering the top. Place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, and keep it well-watered (but not wet), warm, and away from drafts. If your indoor environment is very dry in the winter, you may want to mist it regularly. Then, in a month or two, you should start to see new growth. Good luck and have fun.