Etlingera Elatior 15 Seeds, Ornamental Tropical PINK Edible Torch Ginger
Etlingera elatior PINK
Also known as: Torch Ginger
A showy tropical rhizomatous perennial of the ginger family that grows to 12-15’ tall in tropical climates but much shorter in cooler climates. It is native to Malaysia and Indonesia where it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Naked flower stalks rise directly from the rhizomes to 3’ tall, each stalk being topped by a large cone-shaped inflorescence containing tiny yellow flowers over tiny fertile bracts, both of which are somewhat hidden inside of and subtended by large, drooping, showy petal-like red bracts. Flowers bloom throughout the year. Plants are monocarpic (flower stems die after flowering with new stems developing at the base).
The stems of the flowers are chopped up and added to curries or soups with rice noodles. Buds are edible, flavorful and used in Southeast Asian cooking.
Best grown in humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Prefers consistently moist soils. Mulch helps maintain good soil moisture. Potassium is necessary for the correct uptake of water, which is necessary for the optimum growth of this large plant.
Plants must be protected from strong winds which can snap off the leafstalks. Will grow poorly in frost-free climates when night temperatures dip below 50 degrees F.
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12.
This offer is for 15 seeds.
Also known as: Torch Ginger
A showy tropical rhizomatous perennial of the ginger family that grows to 12-15’ tall in tropical climates but much shorter in cooler climates. It is native to Malaysia and Indonesia where it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Naked flower stalks rise directly from the rhizomes to 3’ tall, each stalk being topped by a large cone-shaped inflorescence containing tiny yellow flowers over tiny fertile bracts, both of which are somewhat hidden inside of and subtended by large, drooping, showy petal-like red bracts. Flowers bloom throughout the year. Plants are monocarpic (flower stems die after flowering with new stems developing at the base).
The stems of the flowers are chopped up and added to curries or soups with rice noodles. Buds are edible, flavorful and used in Southeast Asian cooking.
Best grown in humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Prefers consistently moist soils. Mulch helps maintain good soil moisture. Potassium is necessary for the correct uptake of water, which is necessary for the optimum growth of this large plant.
Plants must be protected from strong winds which can snap off the leafstalks. Will grow poorly in frost-free climates when night temperatures dip below 50 degrees F.
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12.
This offer is for 15 seeds.