Anyone growing Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta)?

[A.T. Hagan]

In researching the edible species of the greater ginger family I have come across frequent mention of "Grains of Paradise" (Aframomum melegueta) which has been used in brewing and was once popular as a black pepper substitute.

Has anyone grown this particular species?  Especially if you are within the U.S. do you know where to buy live plants or rhizomes?  Anyone get it to blossom and set fruit?

The seeds seem to be easily available, but I've read the viability is fairly short so I suspect I would have to plant a lot of them to get plants.  If possible I'd rather buy rhizomes or started plants, but haven't had any luck fining anyone selling them.

[cmichael258]

Forum member Adam (Flying Fox) used to have some plants if you
want to check with him.

[A.T. Hagan]

Thanks. I will ask.

[Bush2Beach]

i have an Aframomum plant that ive divided the rhizomes of for the past 3-4 years . They smell great when cut. i have it growing in pots and in the ground but no luck on seed pods yet.

[Chupa King]

I believe mine is densely shaded out. Planted my original under a mature Ulu. Took several cutting and planted them into the full sun. Only time will tell now.

[junglevulture]

Chupa King - Being that I'm also located in Puna, if you decide you'd sell a small rhizome of your plant(s) let me know. Could pick up locally. I, too, am very interested in these. It seems my love for (and reasons to love) the Zingiberales only grows as time passes, and this is another member whom I'd love to have a presence in my garden.

Do they go dormant in Winter like other deciduous members of their family?

[Chupa King]

Sure. I also give farm tours in exchange for people buying from our nursery.

I havnt noticed it die back yet. Just keeps pushing runners. The most recent one I planted hasnt pushed new growth yet.


We do have fire ants... But a cutting will be clean. Let me know when you are willing to visit. I will be home all day today.

[sahai1]

edit.. thinking of a different plant.

[Mike T]

I got a close Ugandan relative from Soren a few years ago and the seeds sprouted well. They grew into big gingers that I spread around but no fruit yet.

[Macks152010]

I am new to the forum and have been growing my aframomum melegueta for about 13 months now. I bought a seedling in October 2022 from Amazon and have kept it growing inside during the winter months. 11 shoots and still growing, but no seeds or fruit yet. I'm fairly new to all this but I can learn and want to learn. In 4 months I'll be neck deep in 3-4 in-town lots of land transitioning into gardens for a good portion of my family's food. Any help in any way is appreciated.

[Daintree]

I have what I was TOLD is Grains of Paradise, but since it has never bloomed I can't confirm, unless someone can share some info about it that I can use to identify it.  It does look like pictures I have seen. Grows like a weed in my greenhouse.

Carolyn

[roblack]

I recently picked up 2 plants from a nursery in FL. Think they are legit, but hard to say for sure until they do something. Will report back if experience any luck with these.

[NateTheGreat]

Wellspring sells it: https://wellspringgardens.com/products/aframomum-ginger-grains-of-paradise-aframomum-melegueta

[Stomata]

I've got some growing pretty well in florida. Seed from palologrower.
Hope they do well thru the winter.