🌿 Galangal: Growing Guide
Galangal (Alpinia galanga) grows best in partial shade with moderate watering, and does well at 5–40 °C (41–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Alpinia galanga |
|---|---|
| Category | Asian Herbs |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 80 cm (31 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–40 °C (41–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 100–200 cm (39–79 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Nov.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
A Thai curry staple. Spicy-citrus rhizome. Overwinter in a pot. Majestic.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Galangal: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Nov.
Galangal: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Galangal: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 80 cm (31 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Galangal: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Galangal: which plants grow well with it?
Ginger.
Plan your garden
Add Galangal to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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