Find out how to grow turmeric for both its flavorful rhizomes and its attractive leaves and flowers.
Here’s what you oughta know to grow this attractive and useful plant.
In cool climates, you better pre-sprout the rhizomes indoors.
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When the turmeric plant reaches 8 inches tall, transfer it to a large container that fits several plants.
Grow them indoors in a sunny room with a temperature of at least 68F.
When the outdoor temperature reaches 68F, the container-grown plants can be moved outdoors.
Turmeric Care Tips
Turmeric is easier to grow in a warm climate with humid conditions.
About once a month, when turmeric is growing, add a 1- to 2-inchlayer of compost.
This plant needs consistent moisture, so keep the soil moist but not soggy until the rhizomes sprout.
Once turmeric is actively growing, water more frequently.
Dont let the soil dry out completely, but dont overwater.
Use a self-watering planter to avoid overwatering if you grow turmeric in containers.
Temperature and Humidity
Turmeric plants like hot summers and high humidity.
Plants grown outdoors in Zones 811 require a moist summer growing season followed by a dormant winter season.
If you live in an area with low humidity, mist the plants to maintain moisture.
Potting and Repotting
Turmeric can be grown in containers.
Although your local nursery may not carry these plants, a few online nurseries do.
Replant in a slightly larger pot with well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil.
Put it in a sunny spot that stays at least 68F.
After a couple of years, the soil may need a refresh.
Late winter is the best time to repot turmeric.
Lift the plant from the container, but dont brush the soil off the rhizomes.
Fill the container with fresh potting mix and replant the turmeric at the same level it was growing previously.
Pests and Problems
Keeping the soil around the turmeric plant consistently moist helps keepspider mitesfrom appearing.
Its also used in the manufacturing of cosmetics and dyes for clothing and carpets.
Harvest your turmeric when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back or beforeyour areas first fall frost.
Dig the plants rhizomes out of the soil with your hands and cut off the leaves.
Rhizomes are typically harvested in fall, but some early varieties are ready to harvest by summer.
Keep some rhizomes to use and some to replant in spring.
Hawaiian Red Turmeric
Hawaiian Red turmeric is organically grown in Hawaii.
This is the turmeric variety typically sold in U.S. grocery stores.
It is used as an orange dye and is included in many mixed spice assortments.
Alleppey Turmeric
Alleppey turmeric is named after the city of Alleppey in India.
This high-curcumin varietys rich yellow color and strong flavor is ideal for making high-quality curry powders and supplements.
It has a higher volatile oil and curcumin content than Madras turmeric.
Madras Turmeric
The turmeric preferred in Britain and the Middle East is Madras.
It has a bright, intense yellow coloring often used in mustard paste and curry powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turmeric leaves are edible.
Adding a few turmeric leaves to a dish can enhance a meals overall flavor.
Plus, you wont have to worry about theleaves staining your clothes.
you could eat raw turmeric.
Peel the fresh root and grate it into your favorite disheslike you grate fresh ginger.
Keep in mind that fresh turmeric has a more powerful flavor than turmeric powder.
