How to Grow Galangal
Alpinia galanga
Galangal is a large tropical rhizome plant from Southeast Asia, closely related to ginger but a different genus (Alpinia, not Zingiber). The woody, aromatic rhizome is essential in Thai and Indonesian cooking. Plant rhizome pieces with growth buds 5 cm deep in warm, rich compost. Keep very warm (22°C+), humid, and in partial shade. Much larger than ginger (up to 2 m tall) and slower to mature (2-3 years for full rhizomes). Strictly a heated greenhouse plant in temperate climates. More shade-tolerant and slightly hardier than common ginger.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 22°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth. Reduce feeding in autumn as growth slows. Resume in spring when new shoots appear.
- Galangal is a large tropical rhizome plant from Southeast Asia, distinct from common ginger (different genus entirely). The woody rhizome is essential in Thai and Indonesian cuisine. Much larger than ginger (up to 2 m) and takes 2-3 years to produce harvestable rhizomes. In the UK it requires a heated greenhouse or conservatory year-round. More shade-tolerant than ginger.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 22°C+
- Germination temperature
- 24–32°C
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- Direct sow
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 90 cm |
Space rhizome pieces 30 cm apart. Needs large containers (40 cm+) due to vigorous growth. Can reach 2 m tall in ideal conditions.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 22°C |
| Germination temperature | 24–32°C |
| Base growth temperature | 15°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Galangal?
- Plant Galangal 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Galangal?
- Galangal is ready to harvest approximately 730 days after transplanting.
- Is Galangal frost hardy?
- Galangal is classified as Tender.
