Overwintering Ginger Lily Rhizomes Indoors: Managing Early Sprouts in Cold Climates

Q: In September I cut back ginger lilies, dug rhizomes, sent to friend in Massachusetts. He potted them indoors. They're now growing leaves. Cut back or let grow?

Ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) is not winter hardy outdoors in Massachusetts. Wish your friend had put roots in a pot in a dark place so they wouldn't sprout until spring. But now leaves are up: keep in sunny window until night temps >55°F. Then plant each in 18" pot and slowly introduce to full sun. White, gardenia-scented flowers appear in fall. Keep outdoors until nights in 40s. Then remove stems/foliage and keep pots cool and dark for winter.