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Can You Grow Ginger in Ontario?

Canada · Canadian Zone 5 · zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Won't grow here

Ginger is tropical but grows beautifully as a container plant indoors with moderate light and warmth.

Plant zones

8a–12b

Ontario last frost

mid-April

Ontario first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

240–300 days

When to plant Gingers in Ontario

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Dec 10 – Feb 8

Dates are approximate, based on Ontario's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Ginger

Ginger is one of the most rewarding container crops — plant a grocery store rhizome in a pot and harvest fresh ginger in 8-10 months. Essential in Indian, Asian, and Caribbean cooking, and far more aromatic than the dried powder.

Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Soak a fresh ginger rhizome overnight, then plant 2-4 inches deep in rich potting mix. Prefers partial shade (unlike most edibles). Water consistently but do not waterlog. Harvest when foliage dies back in fall.

Full ginger growing guide →

Gardening in Ontario

Ontario spans several climate zones. Northern Ontario is Zone 3-4 with short seasons; southern Ontario is Zone 5-7 with long productive seasons. The Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada's premier fruit-growing regions.

See what grows well in Ontario →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Ginger in Ontario?

Ginger is tropical but grows beautifully as a container plant indoors with moderate light and warmth.

What zone is Ontario?

Ontario spans Canadian Zone 5 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

When do you plant Gingers in Ontario?

Plant Gingers around mid-April (start indoors Feb 17), harvest Dec 10 – Feb 8.