Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum)

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Lesser Galangal is a plant from the ginger family. It's scientific name is Alpinia officinarum, and it is native to Asia, although it is cultivated elsewhere. This plant has been used for thousands of years in China, and was an important herb/spice for early trade with the Middle East and later Europe. Fun fact! The word Galangal is in fact an arabicized form of the Chinese name for the plant, "Gao-Liang-Jiang". 

Lesser Galangal is a herbaceous perennial, capable of growing to large heights, sometimes even up to 10 feet! The plant sports green, lance like leaves, and blossoms in small petaled clusters from flowering stems. These flowers are generally white with colored streaks in the middle. The plant grows best in warm, humid, and well-drained areas. The plant is cultivated for it's highly aromatic rhizome, which is dried and used as a culinary and medicinal spice, as well as a perfume. It has been also used to make jam's, candies, curries, and teas. 

The primary constituent of Galangal is a flavanoid Galangin. This is the compound responsible for the rhizomes unique taste and spicy properties. Galangal has been studied and determined to be antibacterial and antiviral in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Galangal is used as a bitter aromatic herb for stimulating the body and digestive system. The rhizome is best harvested for medicinal use after at least 2 years of growth. 

Plant Type:
Rhizomatous Perennial Herb

Harvest Season: 
Turmeric: Late Summer - early Winter or after 8-10 months of planting.

Mature Size: 
Turmeric: Up to about 3 ft. tall
Ginger: Up to 3 ft. tall
Lesser Galangal: Up to 6 ft. tall
Greater Galangal: Up to 10 ft. tall

Soil & Moisture: 
Loose, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Water in the Spring and Summer. Do not water when dormant.

Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:

Medium for Turmeric and Ginger: capable of harvest after 8-10 months.

Slow for Lesser Galangal: best after 2 years of growth.

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11 (frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+


Propagation:
Our Root Plants are grown from division and tissue culture and are capable of harvest within growing season. 

5.0
Rated 5.0 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 2 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
2 reviews
  • SD
    Shefali D.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Arrived in good condition.

    Arrived in good condition.

  • BL
    Brandon L.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 stars
    3 years ago
    Happy plants as always from Sow Exotic!

    Happy plants as always from Sow Exotic!

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