Zingiber Officinale (Sumateran Giant Ginger)

Giant ginger is propagated vegetatively by its rhizome. Quality ginger seeds are obtained from old parent plants at least 10 months old, marked by dry and dead plant leaves in all parts. The rhizome to be planted has at least two buds, it must not be deformed or diseased. In one hectare it takes about 1.2 tons of ginger seed rhizome.

Before planting the land must be processed and made beds. The purpose of tillage is to improve soil structure, accelerate weathering, eradicate weeds, reverse and thicken the topsoil, level the soil and improve drainage. While making beds aims to obtain a thick topsoil and facilitate plant maintenance.

Giant ginger is planted early in the rainy season with a monoculture or intercropping pattern. Intercropping can be done between elephant ginger plants and other plants, such as shallots or cayenne pepper. The purpose of intercropping is to increase production and income.

Giant ginger for maximum growth it is necessary to maintain the plant. One of them is to pay attention to the irrigation system, especially during the early growth phase because elephant ginger needs adequate water. Irrigation should be done continuously and reduced until the rhizome aging phase. Soil that is too wet makes the rhizome rot.