Learn how to grow turmeric plant in pots at home garden including its pictures, fertilization and pests and diseases, and turmeric plant care.
Turmeric Plant is a perennial herb that re-shoots every spring. The scientific name of turmeric plant is Curcuma domestica syn. Curcuma longa with family ingiberaceae, the ginger family (how to grow ginger). The popular varieties of turmeric plant are Curcuma longa, Curcuma zedoaria and Curcuma aromatica. Turmeric is known by different names in different countries.
Some of the turmeric names are Turmeric Root, Curcumin, Curcumine, Curcuminoïde, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoids, hidden ginger, Queen lily, Indian saffron, ukon, Yu Jin, nghe, wong-keong, Rhizoma Cucurmae Longae, Curcuma, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma domestica, Curcumae longa, Curcumae Longae (Latin name), Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, terre merite in French and Haldi, Halada, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Rajani, Pian Jiang Huang, Racine de Curcuma, Radix Curcumae, Safran Bourbon, etc. Turmeric health benefits are now well established.
The turmeric plants have very attractive large leaves which will give your garden a lush tropical look (see the picture of turmeric plant below.). You can use fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder in vegetable curries and also in many natural beauty recipes.
Growing turmeric organically in pots at home garden is not difficult using a turmeric root if you follow the step-by-step tips and turmeric growing information given below.
Although it is a tropical plant that thrives on heat and moisture, turmeric plant can be grown in temperate areas in summer. I am growing turmeric in Sydney, Australia in pots, the plants look great with its stripy long leaves year round, except in winter when the leaves become yellow. I have encouraged many of my friends in Australia to grow turmeric, and they are now growing it in pots.
The eating part of the plant is roots or rhizomes. In India, the Haldi roots are cooked and eaten as vegetable curry with roti or bread. In Indonesia, the young shoots and rhizomes are eaten raw.
I planted 4 turmeric rhizomes in a pot of size 75 cm long, 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep 2 years ago. The turmeric plants produced more than 5 kg of fresh turmeric in 2 years, and the plants are still going on for the new crop.
The advantages of growing turmeric plant in containers is that the plant can be moved in sun; and also indoors if there is snow or frost.
Another advantage of growing turmeric in pots is that you can grow turmeric if you live in an apartment and you don't have a garden bed. In India and elsewhere, grow your own organic turmeric in pots in balconies, verandas, terraces, backyards, front yards, and similar places.
Harvesting is easy, just dig up the entire plant including the roots.
Sometimes I do not harvest the whole turmeric clump as it is difficult to consume so much. I just dig carefully at the side of a clump and remove rhizomes as needed.
I have harvested approximately 800 grams of fresh roots per plant.
Growing turmeric in containers
How to grow turmeric at home
Turmeric Plant is a perennial herb that re-shoots every spring. The scientific name of turmeric plant is Curcuma domestica syn. Curcuma longa with family ingiberaceae, the ginger family (how to grow ginger). The popular varieties of turmeric plant are Curcuma longa, Curcuma zedoaria and Curcuma aromatica. Turmeric is known by different names in different countries.
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| Growing Turmeric in Pot |
The turmeric plants have very attractive large leaves which will give your garden a lush tropical look (see the picture of turmeric plant below.). You can use fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder in vegetable curries and also in many natural beauty recipes.
Growing turmeric organically in pots at home garden is not difficult using a turmeric root if you follow the step-by-step tips and turmeric growing information given below.
GROWING TURMERIC PLANT IN POTS
Although it is a tropical plant that thrives on heat and moisture, turmeric plant can be grown in temperate areas in summer. I am growing turmeric in Sydney, Australia in pots, the plants look great with its stripy long leaves year round, except in winter when the leaves become yellow. I have encouraged many of my friends in Australia to grow turmeric, and they are now growing it in pots.
Turmeric Plant Description
The turmeric plants grow 70-90 cm high and will slowly spread to form large clumps with underground rhizomes. The plants have broad green tropical-style leaves providing a beautiful view throughout the summer growing season. The turmeric plant produces very beautiful and attractive white flowers (see the photo of turmeric flower).The eating part of the plant is roots or rhizomes. In India, the Haldi roots are cooked and eaten as vegetable curry with roti or bread. In Indonesia, the young shoots and rhizomes are eaten raw.
Growing Turmeric in Containers or Garden Beds?
Turmeric can be grown both in garden beds or in wide containers with similar yield. Only requirement is that the soil should not be water retaining, as water-logging will rot the rhizomes, reducing the yield.I planted 4 turmeric rhizomes in a pot of size 75 cm long, 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep 2 years ago. The turmeric plants produced more than 5 kg of fresh turmeric in 2 years, and the plants are still going on for the new crop.
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| Turmeric Plant Flower |
Another advantage of growing turmeric in pots is that you can grow turmeric if you live in an apartment and you don't have a garden bed. In India and elsewhere, grow your own organic turmeric in pots in balconies, verandas, terraces, backyards, front yards, and similar places.
Turmeric Growing Zones
Turmeric is a tropical summer plant, needing heat and moisture, temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68–86 °F). The plant will die in the winter. The plant can grow anywhere in summer. It can grow in USDA Zones 7b - 10b. The plants can not tolerate climate colder than 18°C. As a matter of fact, turmeric can grow in any zones if the roots do not freeze like south Florida where it can grow outside even in winter. In Australia, turmeric plant can be grown in Sydney and other cities in summer.When To Plant Turmeric?
In tropic regions, turmeric can be planted any time, but elsewhere plant it in spring to summer. I found that turmeric roots sprout well when the soil becomes warm.Where To Plant Turmeric?
Turmeric thrives best in direct or indirect sun, but it can also grow in light shade. However, heavy shade for prolong time will reduce the yield. Also if grown in in full sun, keep the soil wet at all the time.Soil For Planting Turmeric Root
Turmeric plant requires a well-drained loamy fertile soils. Mix cow manure, compost (how to make compost), river sand and some all purpose fertilizer (garden soil preparation ) in the soil.How To Plant Turmeric
Turmeric can be planted by rhizomes as the plant does not produce seeds for propagation. You can start your turmeric plants by using turmeric rhizomes like ginger.From where to buy turmeric root
The dturmeric roots available in Indian griocery stores are completely dry, not suitable for planting. You should buy fresh turmeric roots from garden shops or vegetable shop. In Australia, I have never seen them in Flower Power garden center or Woolworths. Asian vegetable shops always keep fresh turmeric roots, from where you can buy a few and plant. Always buy firm rhizomes with at least one "eye", avoid dried or soft ones. |
| Fresh Turmeric Root |
- Pot should be at least 30 - 45 cm (12-18 inches) wide and 30 cm (12 inches) deep and fill it with nutrition rich free draining organic soil.
- Buy some turmeric roots from vegetable shops to grow your own plants. Or you can plant rhizomes from your previous year's produce.
- Select small rhizomes with two or three buds (eyes). You can call them seeds.
- You can plant turmeric rhizomes 20-25 cm apart, just bury them in wet soil 6-7 cm deep, or plant them on ridges. Do not water until the shoots appear. The roots will germinate/shoot in 3-8 weeks depending on the soil temperature.
- How to germinate turmeric in colder regions?Isom has suggested to use a 60 watt incandescent light bulb in an oven and place the pot to raise the soil temperature, which helps in sprouting the turmeric root. You can measure the temperature on top and bottom racks with a thermometer. The air temperature on the top rack can reach up to 110°F (43°C), while on the below rack can be 100°F (38°C).
- As for sprouting (or germinating seeds) that require warmer temperature to get going --What I've done is replace the 40 watt oven light bulb with an ordinary 60 watt bulb and keep it on. It has to be an incandescent bulb too that gets hot. I put a thermometer in the oven to check the temperature. On a top rack near the bulb, air temperature is 110°F (43°C), although soil temperature is much less but still very warm. Closer to the front of the oven on a rack near the bottom, air temperature is 100°F (38°C). Some seeds like it VERY warm for germinating like tomatoes.
- You need to grow fresh plants every year. Or leave a few roots inside while harvesting, it will re-shoot in spring.
- Once the plants grow, keep them well watered.
- Bring your turmeric indoors if the air temperatures goes below below 10 deg C or 50 deg F.
- Note: You can start turmeric in pots indoors and move the pots outdoors when the temperature start to rise.
Watering Turmeric Plant
- The turmeric plants require consistently and adequately watering. Over watering will slow down growth.
- The tips of the turmeric leaves will burn if the plant is in too much mid day sun or if the soil becomes dry.
- If you are growing your turmeric in a container, water only when you feel the soil slightly dry to the touch. This will prevent leaching out of nutrients due to over watering.
- If your turmeric is grown in a sandy soil or your plant is growing in dry low humidity area, water often or mist the leaves.
Fertilizer for Turmeric Plant
- Fertilize your turmeric plants 4-5 times using a general purpose vegetable and fruits fertilizer during the growing period.
- Fertilize around the base of the shoots but away from the stems.
- I fertilize my turmeric plants with a general purpose liquid fertilizer during the growing season every third week.
- If growing turmeric in a container, feeding with fertilizer will provide adequate nutrients to the plants.
- If the turmeric leaves becoming yellow or burn at the edges, it means that you are over-watering and/or signs of insufficient nutrients.
Harvesting Turmeric
You can harvest turmeric in 9 to 10 months after planting. The leaves turning yellow or stems drying are indications of maturity of turmeric plant and the correct time/season for the turmeric rhizomes to be harvested.Harvesting is easy, just dig up the entire plant including the roots.
Sometimes I do not harvest the whole turmeric clump as it is difficult to consume so much. I just dig carefully at the side of a clump and remove rhizomes as needed.
I have harvested approximately 800 grams of fresh roots per plant.
White Turmeric
White Turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria, family Zingiberaceae, also just called Zedoaria) bears yellow flowers with red and green bracts. It has a stronger pungent taste similar to ginger with a smell of mango. In India, it is known as Amba Haldi. The white haldi is used as spice and salads and pickles. The root is good for digestion.Pests and Diseases on Turmeric Plants
- Tiny spider mites may pose a problem. The spider mites in large numbers may kill the plant. Forceful water spray of the turmeric plant can wash away spider mites. I spray the foliage with neem oil spray once a month.
- Turmeric plants are prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and leaf blotch that cause brown spots on the leaves and may cause leaves to dry and wilt. Spraying an organic fungicides can help.
- The root and rhizome rot can dry the leaves and rhizomes are decayed.
How to Store Fresh Turmeric
- Wipe fresh turmeric roots and wrap in a paper towel and place in a zip lock plastic bag. Place in refrigerator. This way it will remain fresh for 3-4 weeks. To use, cut the needed piece, and refrigerate again. For longer storage, slice, wrap and then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Blend turmeric rhizomes with some water and freeze in ice cube containers.
- Peel the rhizomes and place them in a jar with vodka and store in the fridge for at least a year.
- Peel turmeric root and place in honey for at least a year.
- Freezing turmeric retains the texture, color and flavor. However, frozen turmeric is often dried out if not properly packed.
How To Make Turmeric Powder
- Boil turmeric in water, cut the them into small pieces, spread on a plate and cover it with a mesh. Place in sun and let them dry until completely dry.
- Grind the pieces to a fine powder in a spice or coffee grinder.
- Store the powder in airtight glass bottle in a cool place.
References
- Ikisan, Disease Management in Turmeric
Video on how to grow turmeric in containers
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Growing turmeric in containers
How to grow turmeric at home
If you re-pot, then you have to take out the whole plant and remove the rhizomes out, except the main root.
Repotting the plant when it is dormant can damage the plant as it does not have the enough strength, so repot when it starts to grow.
1. Try to sprout the turmeric roots indoors, place the pot near the hottest part of the house, near hot water system or fridge. If they don't sprout then place the pot outside in summer, directly in sun light.
2. Once the roots are germinated, then they will grow and tolerate the night temperature around 10?C.
3. During frost months, move the pot under a covered place, may be under a tree or in veranda, even indoors where you receive some sun light.
You may be able to grow turmeric with less yield. But it is good for experimentation, and something is better than nothing. Please share your experience here. Best luck!
This happened to me, I was advised by a little old lady at the local markets (the kind of person that knows those kind of things..);
You need to break up the rhizome at a younger age. If the plant flowers it loses colour and taste, you need to harvest more regularly then ginger (which you can basically grow on and harvest anytime its desired...). Larger clumps of tumeric need to be broken up and replanted to maintain maximum colour. This is why you never see it for sale in large clumps."
http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php?/topic/37355-mystery-turmeric. Please let us know if your rhizome was a single large clump or if it had flowered so others will know what to expect too.