It likes a very warm (and humid) summer to really do well. You could grow it successfully in a poly tunnel or greenhouse in the ground (if soil is good) or containers. Our summers are just not reliably long enough or warm enough outside unless the odd occasional 1976er comes along again with an Indian summer tacked on to the end of it to boot!

I'm trying it from supermarket ones - you need to find pieces with as many good "eyes" or buds as possible, and the ones I got weren't that great. Been in a pot 5 days,nothing yet, keeping them inside unless its hot.

Mine came from the supermarket. I planted it about 1" deep in a pot that I keep moist and in the shade. I have had it about 4 years. In the 2nd year, it got flowers, but they weren't very special. It has started to grow again. Min. temperature is 50 F/10C.

I also bought some from the supermarket a good 3 months ago. Planted them in multipurpose compost and they have just rotted, kept them warm, talked to them and said all the right things, but all to no avail. Will try again.

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I will give it a go and hope for the best,but obviously can not expect too much,Certainly not jars of lovely crystalized ginger.I will plant some in a large pot and keep in the greenhouse.