Galanga (Thai Ginger / Siamese Ginger) - Alpinia galangal. Get ready to cook up a storm with the most common and delicious cooking variety of ginger: Thai Ginger is a staple in asian cooking. It is easy to grow in a container in our zone (7). Care Average mature height: 4 feet in shade, 3 feet in sunnier spots. Likes part shade to full shade with soil that is moist, rich and well drained. Hardy in zones 8-11. Ginger produces long grass-like leaves on rush-like stems and, although it does flower, it’s unlikely to do so unless you can provide lots of warmth and humidity. But, of course, it’s the roots (properly known as rhizomes) that we desire for use in our cooking. Growth Habit Ginger produces long grass-like leaves on rush-like stems and, although it does flower, it’s unlikely to do so unless you can provide lots of warmth and humidity. But, of course, it’s the roots (properly known as rhizomes) that we desire for use in our cooking. The best time to plant ginger is in late winter or early spring. It takes 8-10 months for a good crop of root ginger to form. Toxicity All forms of ginger are safe for dogs, including fresh, powdered, and even ginger juice. If you're using fresh ginger, peel it thoroughly and finely mince it. Then it can be sprinkled over your dog's food.