Clumping perennial with aromatic roots used in asian cooking.
Other Names: petit galanga, colic root, catarrh root, lesser galangal
Origin: China, South-East Asia
Size: 1.5m high, 1m spread
Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade
Propagation: from tubers during summer
Growing tips: Cut back stems that have flowered, as they will die down. Use prunings as chop & drop.
Use: With a spade, dig into the galangal clump from the outside and break off whatever root mass you can. Look for the curled, pink-coloured rhizomes. These range in length from 4 – 7.5cm and are about 2cm thick. Use like ginger within a week.
Availability in shop: all year, best in summer