Planting and Growing Guide for Turmeric (Tumeric) (Curcuma longa)
Description
Turmeric (or Tumeric) is native to the Tropical forests of south east Asia. It is related to ginger. It is a perennial herb to 1 m (3 feet) tall with underground rhizomes. Turmeric requires a well-drained soil, frost-free climate and frequent watering. It grows best on loamy or sandy well-drained and fertile soils. Grows best in full sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade especially in hot areas.
Turmeric like Ginger is a warm climate plant. Plant turmeric rhizome pieces with buds and shoots in Spring into warm soil. The rhizomes should be planted 5-7 cm deep. It is often planted on ridges, usually about 3 0-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart. The crop is planted by setts (small rhizomes) with one or two buds.
Turmeric rhizomes are harvested 9-10 months after planting. When the lower leaves turn yellow or the stems dry-off the rhizomes are mature and ready for harvest. Rhizomes can be harvested from growing plants by carefully digging around the bases. This allows turmeric to be harvested continuously.
The rhizomes are used fresh or boiled. In Indonesia, the young shoots and rhizome tips are eaten raw. To prepare ground turmeric, the harvested rhizomes are boiled and sun-dried for 7-8 days, but can be used fresh. The rhizomes are then ground to a powder.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Grown from small rhizomes with one or two buds or shoots planted 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) deep in warm fertile soil, mounded into ridges
Space between plants: Allow about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) between plants. Allow about 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) between rows.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 9-10 months, depending on the climate.
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun. But can be grown in partial shade in warmer areas
- Will grow in a range of soil types, except for heavy clay soils
- Add compost around the plants as they grow as a mulch and source of nutrients.
- Prepare the bed before planting by digging in compost and placing a thick layer of compost over the soil surface.
- Water Turmeric regularly and deeply to avoid growth checks which will lead to inferior rhizomes
- Turmeric need to be fed regularly throughout the growing season to keep them growing consistently.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!