Post by richardw on Dec 22, 2012 4:27:05 GMT -5
Does anyone grow it?? any tips or anything worth knowing about it.
Answering the original question:
Yes, I grow it, you should have no trouble in most of New Zealand unless you are at a high elevation or really far south.
Like most Zingiberaceae it likes warm temperatures, rich soil (feed generously), and plenty of moisture while actively growing (if they turn chlorotic, suspect not enough moisture first); not recommended but they can stand fairly wet feet while actively growing. They like to dry out while going dormant though this is not 100% necessary if drainage is good. They can't stand as much moisture when dormant though as they can while growing; if too wet they will rot.
UNLIKE MOST RHIZOMES it should be transplanted in active growth, NOT while dormant. While dormant, their resistance to rotting after injury is compromised (says one who learned the hard way). Divide them green and actively growing, NOT dormant. It matters less in warmer climates with drier winters. When actively growing, small pieces of rhizome usually take, as long as they have buds on them.
The rhizomes spread fast. They are strong enough to burst pots if you let them get too pot-bond.
Here, at least, they bloom in the autumn. Like most Zingibers, their flowers show up on ridiculously short stalks UNDER the green shoots. You might never notice them blooming!! Be sure to look for the flowers. They are off-white or pale yellow.
Thanks atash for this info you're most helpful,a gardening friend is starting off a patch of it but he's on very wet land (right on sea level),i'll let him know that it may pay to get some growing a bit higher up off the water table ,also the dormant season is also our wetter season so we,as in once i get a piece of it also,will have to think about how to keep the Myoga patch dryish during winter
