How to Grow Turmeric
Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a tropical plant grown from rhizome pieces for its vibrant orange roots used in cooking and medicine. Plant pieces with growth buds 5 cm deep in warm, rich compost in spring. Keep very warm (22°C+), humid, and in bright indirect light. Water regularly but ensure good drainage. Growth is slow — shoots take 3-4 weeks to emerge. Harvest after 8-10 months when foliage dies back. Ideal container plant for temperate climates.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 20°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth. Stop feeding when foliage begins to die back in autumn.
- Turmeric is grown from rhizome pieces, similar to ginger but needs even more warmth. Plant in spring, harvest after 8-10 months when foliage dies back. The bright orange rhizomes stain everything they touch. Excellent container plant — bring indoors before frost. Can produce attractive white and pink flower spikes in summer.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 20°C+
- Germination temperature
- 22–32°C
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- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Space rhizome pieces 30 cm apart. Grows well in large containers — one rhizome per 30 cm pot or several in a large tub.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 20°C |
| Germination temperature | 22–32°C |
| Base growth temperature | 15°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Turmeric?
- Plant Turmeric 30cm apart with 40cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Turmeric?
- Turmeric is ready to harvest approximately 270 days after transplanting.
- Is Turmeric frost hardy?
- Turmeric is classified as Tender.
