Turmeric rhizome X1
Please note that the rhizomes are bare-rooted. Please pot up and keep in a warm room until the last frost has passed.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a versatile plant widely recognized for its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. The rhizomes, or underground stems, are commonly dried and ground into a bright yellow-orange powder. In cooking, turmeric is a staple in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, imparting a warm taste and vibrant colour to dishes. Medicinally, turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, largely attributed to its active compound, curcumin. It is used to support joint health, digestive health, and overall well-being.
PLEASE NOTE, your order will contain one small Rhizome. It is suggested that they be allowed to grow for a season or two before dividing.
Turmeric rhizomes are the underground stems of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family. These rhizomes are characterized by their knobby, branched appearance and bright orange-yellow colour.
Germination
In late September, find a sunny spot in your garden or a spacious pot indoors. If potting, wide planters are better than narrow ones as turmeric likes space to spread.
Choose well-draining soil and gently bury the rhizome horizontally, with the buds facing upward, about 2 inches deep.
Climate and Soil: Turmeric thrives in warm, humid climates and well-drained, fertile soil. It requires temperatures between 20-30°C and prefers rich, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Plant turmeric rhizomes in the spring, after the last frost.
Break the rhizomes into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two buds. Plant the pieces about 2-3 inches deep and 12-16 inches apart. Turmeric needs regular watering, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering as it can cause the rhizomes to rot. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Use a balanced, organic fertilizer to enrich the soil. Applying compost or well-rotted manure before planting and periodically during the growing season will help provide essential nutrients.
Turmeric takes about 8-10 months to mature. For your first season we recommend leaving it undivided to allow it to gain a decent size. In its second season, harvest the rhizomes when the leaves and stems begin to dry and turn yellow / brown. In the Bay of Islands, this is usually in late winter.
Carefully dig up the rhizomes, clean them, and let them dry in a warm, shady place for a few days before use or storage.
Growing turmeric can be a rewarding endeavour, offering both culinary delights and health benefits from a single plant.
Approximate minimum seed count per pack
One small rhizome per order