Native Ginger - Alpinia caerulea (Jun jun) seeds

Alpinia caerulea - Native Ginger (Jun Jun)
A hardy and versatile understorey herb with edible roots and berries, perfect for shaded gardens.

Quick Facts

• Height: Grows up to 3 meters in tight clumping, upright form.
• Flowers: Blooms in summer with showy white flowers.
• Fruit: Beautiful bold blue, round edible berries.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Position: Thrives in light to full shade; suitable for indoor planting.
• Climate: Tolerates cold and frost, though frost damage may require cutting back.

Why Grow Alpinia caerulea?

Native Ginger is a striking addition to shaded gardens or indoor spaces, valued for its bold berries, clumping habit, and culinary versatility. With its ability to reshoot after frost and thrive in various Australian climates, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet functional plant.

Bush Food Note

Native Ginger has a rich culinary heritage:

• Roots:
  • New rhizome tips are harvested for their mild, gingery flavour.
  • Used in cooking for an earthy, resinous taste.
• Shoots: Young shoots are excellent as a ginger substitute in various dishes.
• Berries:
  • Can be eaten fresh or dried and ground into a spice.
  • Adds a sour flavour and red colour to herbal teas.
• Harvesting Tips: Dig up rhizomes from the plant’s edge to avoid damaging the entire plant. Pick berries directly from the plant when ripe.

Bush Medicine

The white pulp of the fruit has traditional uses:

• Uses: The sour pulp activates salivary glands, providing mouth moisture during bushwalking.
• Seeds: Usually discarded after use.

Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds in well-draining soil and lightly cover with soil or organic mulch.
   • Avoid disturbing seeds after planting.

2. Position:

   • Choose a lightly shaded to fully shaded area.
   • Suitable for rainforest gardens, wet sclerophyll forests, or as an indoor plant.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly, especially in dry conditions, to maintain soil moisture.
   • Prune damaged or untidy foliage to encourage fresh growth.
   • Protect from severe frost during establishment.

Uses in Your Garden

• Shaded Garden: Perfect for understorey planting in rainforest or woodland gardens.
• Indoor Plant: Adds a lush tropical touch to interior spaces.
• Bush Food Garden: A must-have for those cultivating edible native plants.
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Seeds typically germinate in about 2 months.
• Care: Once sown, leave the seeds undisturbed to allow natural germination.
• Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging.

Order Now

Enhance your garden or indoor space with Alpinia caerulea. Its edible roots and berries, striking appearance, and hardiness make Native Ginger a rewarding and functional addition to any landscape.

Order your Native Ginger seeds today and grow a plant with deep cultural and culinary significance!