Torch Ginger / Bunga Kantan
Etlingera elatior
- Days to harvest
- 365–545 days
- Sunlight
- 3–6 hours/day
- Watering
- 5–7 per day
- Plant spacing
- 100 cm
- Minimum container size
- 50cm deep × 50cm wide
- Container-friendly
- 1 plants per container
- Estimated yield
- 55 kg / 100m²
- Life span
- perennial
Climate Requirements
- Ideal temperature
- 22-32 °C
- Annual rainfall
- 2000-4000 mm
- Humidity
- 75-90%
- Heat tolerance
- high
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
Soil & Planting
Planting method
Rhizome divisions; 1x1 m; moist location
Soil requirements
Moist rich loam, pH 5.5-7.0; partial shade tolerated
Companion Plants
- Turmericmoderate
Both Zingiberaceae relatives thriving in shade; torch ginger canopy provides dappled light for turmeric
- Gingermoderate
Related rhizomatous plants with compatible shade and moisture preferences
- Bananamoderate
Traditional kampung garden pairing; banana and torch ginger thrive in similar moist, partial shade conditions
- Taro / Cocoyammoderate
Torch ginger shade canopy benefits moisture-loving taro; compatible understorey combination
Common Pests & Diseases
Common diseases
Market Demand
Moderate-High — premium in Penang asam laksa, kerabu; flowers rare at wet markets; florists; upscale restaurants; food tourism product
Regional Notes
Penang asam laksa cannot be made authentically without it. Premium specialty herb. Slow to establish but extremely low maintenance once grown. Excellent for urban gardens.
Sources
- Malaysian Herb Growing Guide — MARDI · Last reviewed: 2024-06-15
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Category: Herbs