Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a popular spice used in a wide variety of culinary recipes and has also been found to have medicinal benefits. People also use turmeric as a natural dye for fabrics. This 5-pack is perfect for anyone wanting to grow their own turmeric. Make the most of this versatile plant!
Planting Time:
- Spring – Beginning Sep to mid Oct
- 5 to 10cm deep, growth tips upwards
- Well-drained, loamy or alluvial fertile soil
- Semi-shade, frost sensitive.
Plant Care:
Turmeric grows well with most plants. Growing turmeric under fruit trees is fantastic as it likes dappled shade, also grows well with limes, chillies, lemongrass, and coriander. Water moderately and ensure there is adequate drainage of the bed/container. Add a calcium rich fertiliser towards the end of summer to help the formation of fingers underground.
Diseases include rhizome rot, leaf blotch and leaf spot. In hot dry areas, spider mites may become a problem.
Harvesting:
8 to 10 months after planting.
This will take place towards the end of autumn once the plant has flowered. It is a beautiful flower and the petals are edible as well- the perfect addition to salads. Unearth the plant and snap the fingers off in an upwardly direction from the roots. Use these for all cooking, medicinal and ayurvedic requirements as you will get another mother rhizome which can be replanted the next year.
