What does a galangal plant look like?
Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) is probably the most familiar as it is the version used in culinary applications. It is native to Indonesia and grows about 6 feet tall and has wide blade-like leaves. The small flowers are greenish-white with a dark-red veined tip. The flowers produce red berries.
Where does galangal come from?
Originally from Indonesia and Southwest China, it is an attractive plant with a tropical look for your garden. Galangal has two forms: greater (Alpinia galanga) and lesser (A. officinarum). The first is larger, as it can grow up to 6 feet in height, and is the more common culinary root.
Can I grow galangal indoors?
Both plants grow tuberous, branching rhizomes. Galangal grows 3 to 6 feet tall with leaves 10 to 13 inches long. You can grow galangal outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10 or indoors in pots. Buy a hand of galangal rhizome from a grocery store or vegetable market.
How to grow and harvest galangal?
It is recommended to let your galangal stand to get well established and grow for 10 months to a year before gathering the roots. The greater galangal variety should be around 6 feet tall and the lesser galangal variety should be 2 ½ – 3 feet tall before harvesting. Galangal harvests can be done in two different ways.
How high does galangal grow?
between one and two metres' It is a perennial herb, between one and two metres in height, depending on variety. The leaves are 25-35 cm long, rather narrow blades. The flowers are borne at the top of the plant and are small, white and streaked with deep-red veining. The rhizome resembles ginger in shape but it is much smaller.
How long does it take for galangal to grow?
Growing galangal requires patience until it can be harvested. In its tropical and subtropical homeland, it takes about three months from planting the rhizome parts to harvesting the rhizomes, whereby the entire plant is then uprooted and not cultivated as a perennial.
How do you grow greater galangal?
4:2513:285 Tips How to Grow a Ton of Galangal in Container or Garden BedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a good layer of mulch on top of that at the time of planting galangal will grow quite easilyMoreWith a good layer of mulch on top of that at the time of planting galangal will grow quite easily from a rhizome piece of root like this.
Is galangal annual or perennial?
perennialGalangal grows as a perennial and the rhizomes, or roots, are what is harvested and used after about 1 year of growth.
Can you eat galangal leaves?
Galangal leaves are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, sautéing, and steaming. They are mainly used to impart flavor to soups, stews, curries, and chutneys. The flavors of the Galangal leaf compliment meats, fish, and shellfish, and pairs well with citrus, garlic, and tamarind.
Can you eat galangal stems?
The general rule is to remove the hard, fibrous leaves of the galangal plant and to use all of the parts that are tender and can be cooked in 15 minutes. All parts that are tender are edible like just vegetables.
Are galangal flowers edible?
Its rhizome is a versatile ingredient used in Southeast Asian cuisine such as in lontong, rendang and spice mixes, imparting a zesty heat and complimentary note to other ingredients in recipes. The Lengkuas also produce fragrant and edible yellow-white flowers that are eaten as vegetable.
How do I overwinter galangal?
Even though it is best to harvest your remaining galangal roots during the early winter to prevent rotting, you can leave a few hands, (what the roots are referred to as) in the ground over the winter as long as you heavily mulch the entire area to keep them warm and dry.
What is the difference between greater and lesser galangal?
Varieties of Galangal Lesser galangal originated in China and has a more peppery bite and tartness than the other rhizomes. Greater galangal is a taller plant and grows in Indonesia, specifically the island of Java, and has a more mild flavor.
Can galangal be grown in pots?
You can grow galangal in containers, but the tubers won't grow very large unless you have a pot that is over five gallons. Fill the container with water retentive, porous potting soil, and make sure to keep an eye on the pot to make sure it doesn't dry out.
Can you root galangal in water?
In Malaysia, the galangal rhizomes can be planted directly on the soil or you can let it stand in a container of water for 1-2 days before planting. You can plant it directly on the ground or in a container. You won't see the roots yet as it will take some time for it to appear.
How do you care for galangal?
Galangal is a very low maintenance plant. Just water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. The plant also benefits from monthly fertilization, using a general purpose, water-soluble fertilizer.
Can you grow your own galangal?
Galangal is a tropical plant that grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above. The plant requires partial shade and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Galangal rhizomes, or “hands,” widely available at ethnic supermarkets are ideal for planting.
Can I root galangal in water?
In Malaysia, the galangal rhizomes can be planted directly on the soil or you can let it stand in a container of water for 1-2 days before planting. You can plant it directly on the ground or in a container. You won't see the roots yet as it will take some time for it to appear.
What can I do with fresh galangal?
Fresh galangal should be grated or very thinly sliced, as it can be a little tough (the younger the root, the more tender). It can be added to Indonesian satay (meat skewers with spicy peanut sauce), Malaysian laksa (seafood and noodles in spicy coconut milk) or samlor kor ko (a Cambodian vegetable soup).
Are galangal flowers edible?
Its rhizome is a versatile ingredient used in Southeast Asian cuisine such as in lontong, rendang and spice mixes, imparting a zesty heat and complimentary note to other ingredients in recipes. The Lengkuas also produce fragrant and edible yellow-white flowers that are eaten as vegetable.
What are the health benefits of galangal?
Galangal plants provide many health benefits that include:Fights inflammationIt helps strengthen your immune systemIncreases the sperm countProtect...
Is galangal a stimulant?
It is similar to ginger providing a carminative, stomachic, and aromatic stimulation. You find it used for rheumatism, nausea, enteritis, and more...
Is galangal the same as turmeric?
The galangal root is closely related to turmeric as you can use it fresh or dried for adding flavor to food. Yet, turmeric is very spicy compared t...
Where can I buy galangal?
Luckily, galangal is not a rare plant anymore, and you find the roots sold at some health stores. You can also find the plant sold at your local nu...
What type of soil does a galangal plant prefer?
Galangal prefers soils that are rich in organic matter such as sandy loam. This type of soil provides the thick roots with space to grow while allowing water to properly drain so that the roots are not left sitting in standing water which promotes root rot.
What is Galangal?
Native to Java and commonly used in Thai cuisine, Galangal, which is pronounced guh-LANG-guh, is a root seasoning that is directly related to Ginger. Although these two cousins may look similar in appearance and fall into the same family, they are not interchangeable; since the flavor of the galangal root is much more pungent and spicy than ginger.
What is the best way to grow galangal?
The Greatest Way of Growing Galangal. Belonging to the same family as ginger; Galangal is a root seasoning that is commonly used in Thai cooking, as well as in ornamental landscaping, and as a medicinal digestive aid. Galangal requires very specific soil and environmental conditions to grow outdoors but grows easily in large containers.
How to manage a galangal plant?
One way to manage your container galangal is to regularly prune vegetation, and harvest excessive root growth maintaining the plant’s ability to expand without having to be completely transplanted. Check out the video below for to see how container planted Galangal looks throughout the growing stages.
How tall does a sage plant get?
When it reaches maturity, this plant has the potential of reaching between three and six feet tall. You will want to provide enough space between plants to accommodate their height and bushy nature.
How to harvest galangal?
Harvesting Galangal. To harvest galangal, you will want to use a pitchfork instead of a shovel to avoid damaging the roots. Start by loosening the soil around the root ball, and then position the fork beneath the root ball and lift. Doing this will remove the entire plant. See the below video for a visual guide.
How long are the leaves of a sage plant?
The long leaves that get to about 10 to 13 inches long create a look similar to ornamental grass which makes it good for planting in areas that need shade tolerant landscaping features, or as an indoor container plant.
How tall is a galangal root?
Galangal has two forms: greater (Alpinia galanga) and lesser (A. officinarum). The first is larger, as it can grow up to 6 feet in height, and is the more common culinary root. The lesser version has a stronger taste and is most commonly used for medicinal purposes. It has a smaller stature, reaching around 3 feet in height.
Where do galangal plants grow?
Galangal originates from tropical zones and is best grown in zones 9 and higher. Those areas that get excessive heat should be prepared to water more frequently to provide afternoon shade during the most intense time of the year, particularly if your plants are younger.
How to grow galangal rhizome?
Climates with harsher winter will have some difficulty and may require extra mulching and use of greenhouse to prevent roots from rotting. Plant the galangal rhizome when soil has warmed in the spring. Alternatively, you can start indoors in a warm location to get a head start. Avoid soggy or water-logged conditions.
What is the color of the less galangal?
Lesser Galangal. Lesser galangal (Alpinia officinalis) is most often used in medicinal applications rather than cooking. It has a more pungent and medicinal flavor. The rhizomes are also a light brown to orange in color.
How tall does Alpinia galanga grow?
Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) is probably the most familiar as it is the version used in culinary applications. It is native to Indonesia and grows about 6 feet tall and has wide blade-like leaves.
What is the scientific name for a galangal plant?
Source: thomaswanhoff. Common Name (s) Galangal, Thai ginger. Scientific Name. Alpinia galanga, Alpinia officinarum. Days to Harvest. Roughly a year to harvest. Light.
Why are my galangal leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing might indicate that it doesn’t have sufficient nutrients. Set up the soil with nutrients at the onset of planting and maintain regular feeding. It is also possible that the galangal plants are overcrowded and competing for nutrients. Place rhizomes at least 12 inches apart, and if they are grown to the adult size it may be time to harvest and thin out the plants.
How much sun does a galangal plant need?
If you’re growing yours in a container indoors, keep the plant near a window where it will receive part sun, around three to six hours of direct sunlight per day. Galangal makes a good companion plant for a number of different plants that have similar growing needs, including some orchids, lemongrass, and ginger.
What Is Galangal?
This plant ( Alpinia galanga, previously known as Languas galanga) is also sometimes called blue ginger, Thai ginger, galanga, java galangal, or the outdated Siamese ginger.
How to move galangal from planting to harvest?
To plant, dig a hole in your garden that is twice as wide and as deep as the container that the plant came in. Remove the galangal from its container and lower it into the hole.
How long does it take for a rhizome to grow?
Three months after you plant your rhizome in the soil, it should be ready to harvest. You can also let it grow a little longer to branch and develop if you want a larger harvest.
Is galangal easy to grow?
It’s a cliche to say that a plant is easy to grow – and so frustrating when you kill a plant that the internet says is a cinch to raise – but galangal really is.
Can galangal seeds grow true?
Propagation. You can find galangal seeds out there, but the flowers on this plant are usually sterile and won’t produce viable seed, and any viable seeds that do germinate won’t grow true. Stick to dividing plants, or planting transplants or tubers.
Can galangal be grown in tropical climate?
There you have it! Galangal doesn’t have to be intimidating or impossible to grow, even if you live in a climate that isn’t exactly what you’d call tropical. With the right soil and sunshine, this plant is the gift that keeps on giving.
What Is The Plant Galangal?
When you look at the galangal rhizome ( Alpinia galangal) and ginger root ( Zingiber officinale), they can look similar. But the truth is that galangal is an aromatic root used by many people in the Middle Ages.
Growing Galangal
While the popularity of this root increases finding a fresh one is not always easy. So instead of hunting for one, you can grow one instead. When it comes to galangal plant care, it is low-maintenance and has ornamental qualities for growing indoors.
Galangal Types
Earlier, we mentioned that galangal has two types, but a third one. So here you can see the three different types of galangal:
Galangal Plant Diseases & Pests
As this is a tropical plant, the biggest concern is if the natural territory is too cold or dry. Compared to other plants, this one can get pestered by different insects and diseases when you plant galangal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you want to buy, sell or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!
How tall does a galangal plant grow?
Both galangal and Thai ginger plants grow tuberous, branching rhizomes. Galangal grows 3 to 6 feet tall with leaves 10 to 13 inches long. According to Gardening Know How, you can grow galangal plants outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. Growing galangal indoors in pots is a viable alternative to growing ...
What is the root of a galangal?
How to Grow Galangal Root. Galangal (Alpinia galangal), a perennial herb native to Java and popular in Thai cuisine, is similar to ginger (Zingiber officinale) to which it bears a close resemblance. Galangal is more difficult to cut than ginger and it has a stronger flavor. Both galangal and Thai ginger plants grow tuberous, branching rhizomes.
How to keep galangal plants moist?
If the soil is too wet, the rhizomes may rot and die, notes Garden Drum. Monitor the moisture level of the soil around the galangal plants by digging a few inches down with your hand or a clean trowel. If the soil is dry below the top few inches, it needs water.
What is a hand of galangal rhizome?
Buy a healthy-looking hand of galangal rhizome from a grocery store or vegetable market. A hand is a portion of tuberous rhizomes, much like the ginger you can find at a supermarket. It is is called a hand because parts of it look like fingers.
What is the name of the plant that grows as a herb?
Tip. Alpina species of galangal, the type you are most apt to find in a market and grow as a herb, is also called lesser galangal. The rhizomes look like ginger but they are thinner. They have beige skin with pink highlights, and the fingers branch and twist in different directions. Their flesh is creamy white.
How tall do galangal plants grow?
It has not flowered yet but I love their showy, cool-looking foliage. Galangal plants can grow to a height of 3 m tall.
How to grow galangal rhizomes?
If the hand is too large, you can cut into smaller pieces before planting but each piece must have at least 2 eyes. In Malaysia, the galangal rhizomes can be planted directly on the soil or you can let it stand in a container of water for 1-2 days before planting. You can plant it directly on the ground or in a container. You won't see the roots yet as it will take some time for it to appear. Place it in a shaded location. The soil should be moist but well-drained.
How long does it take for a galangal rhizome to grow?
Galangal rhizomes can be harvested in about 10-12 months, when the plants start to flower. You don't have to uproot the whole plant when harvesting the rhizomes. Just cut enough for your requirements and it will continue to grow back.
What is the color of the Alpinia galanga?
The flowers are yellowish white in colour. The fruit is small, about 1.25cm diameter and berry-like or pear-shaped. It turns from green to yellow to blood red when mature. Fruits are used in Chinese medicine. The seeds are 3 angled, ash coloured and aromatic. Alpinia galanga has been used as traditional, Aryuvedic medicine in India since 600AD.
Can you grow galangal in a plastic pot?
Stiletto, galangal can be planted and contained in a big plastic flower pot. When harvesting, it may be necessary to cut up the container. We can get home grown galangal which is 'organic', i.e. free from chemicals and pesticides.
Can you grow galangal for cooking?
Even if you don't intent to harvest galangal for cooking, you can grow galangal plants just for their beautiful and cool-looking foliage. The whole plant is mildly aromatic. This is a cheap and low maintenance plant. Today I'll show you how to grow galangal from store-bought rhizomes.
Is a galangal seedling edible?
The above is a galangal seedling showing the rhizome with shoots and roots. The edible part of the galangal is the r hizome which is a swollen underground stem, not the roots. Hence, it is incorrect to say "ginger root" as it is quite commonly used in culinary recipes.
