Thank you for reaching out to “ask extension” about locating ginger rhizomes for purchase.

The attached links provides information on how to care for the ginger rhizomes once they are purchased. The link from Virginia Tech recommends getting the ginger rhizomes from a plant nursery or seed company. I did a search for local nurseries specializing in ginger. I did not find any and most of them are currently closed for the winter but may open in March, so you may call around once they are open and inquire about ginger roots.

Another option is to look at reputable seed companies. One that came up on my search was Gurney’s. You can look online for some other companies that might provide ginger root.

The Virginia Tech link states you can use grocery store ginger root if the root is not treated. That will be hard to determine. If you purchase the organic ginger that is not treated or ginger rhizomes that already show swelling or sprouted buds, then they should be good to use. It is okay to use somewhat shrinking rhizomes if buds are swelling.

Jay B.

MSU Extension Master Gardener

Growing Ginger at Home | Virginia Cooperative Extension | Virginia Tech

Zingiber officinale (Canton, Canton Ginger, Common Ginger, Cooking Ginger, Ginger, Stem Ginger, True Ginger) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox