How to Grow and Harvest Turmeric

Turmeric is a perennial that grows from a firm rhizome to a height of around 1 metre. With large, lush green leaves, this plant will die back over winter in cooler regions. Read on to learn how to grow and harvest turmeric.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) a perennial herbaceous plant that is grown in tropical, sub-tropical regions. It can be grown in pots in cooler temperatures as long as it is protected from cold and frost.

Flowering in mid to late summer, turmeric has been harvested for thousands of years and used in cooking primarily for adding yellow to everything, things such as mustard, custard, and cakes.

Containing high levels of curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric has also been used for medicinal use.

Just remember to be careful when handling raw turmeric as it can permanently stain clothing, cutting boards, plastic containers and utensils. 

Learn how easy it is to grow and harvest turmeric for use in your own kitchen!

How to Grow Turmeric

Turmeric plants should be planted in a location that will receive plenty of sunshine. Though they can survive in full sun, they are able to perform better when in part shade. The ideal place would be one that would receive the morning sun, though have shade in the afternoon. They also need to be protected from the cold, frost and wind.

These warm season crop needs to be planted in well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. 

An easy way to prepare the soil is to weed the area completely, dig in and loosen the ground before adding aged manure or compost. If the soil is prepared correctly, no additional fertiliser should be needed, though if you have poor soil, you may want to give your plants an extra boost with a slow release fertiliser or a liquid fertiliser during spring and summer.

Turmeric plants are grown from rhizomes. These swollen pieces of stem grow horizontally under the soil. The shoots emerge from ‘eyes’, or growing points on the rhizomes. To shoot, these plants will need a soil temperature of at least 20-30˚C.

In Australia, plant the rhizomes 5 cm deep and 15cm apart in September or October into warm soil.

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Growing in Containers

Turmeric can be growing in containers. This is especially good for temperate and colder climates. Make sure to use a large pot – minimum of 40L, filled with good quality potting mix. 

Plant the rhizomes into the pot and keep the soil moist until they produce shoots.

Plants in pots will most likely need additional fertiliser during the growing season to help encourage healthy growth.

Watering Turmeric Plants

Turmeric plants like regular watering, with the soil kept moist, though not waterlogged. Like many other plants, try not to water the leaves of the plant as this can cause fungal diseases.

Reduce the amount of water as the plant starts to die back. This will encourage rhizome growth.

The only pruning this plant will need is the removal of dead or damaged leaves and flowers at the end of the season.

How to Propagate Turmeric

Turmeric is propagated by the division of rhizomes. 

In Autumn, when the growing season has finished, gently lift the plants from the ground. Divide the rhizomes so that they are at least three to four ‘eyes’ or new growth points on each piece.

In warmer regions, these rhizomes can then be planted straight back into the ground. In cooler regions, they can be planted in pots and kept warm until they are well rooted. Then they can be planted out.

How to Harvest Turmeric

Turmeric is planted in the spring and harvested in autumn, taking around 160 to 190 days to mature.  At this time, the lower leaves are turning yellow and the stems are drying and falling over.

The rhizomes should be large enough to eat when ready to harvest. They can be harvested all at once, or as needed.

To harvest one rhizomes, carefully dig to loosen it from the soil. Cut the stems around 2 cm above the top of the rhizome and shake off any excess soil.

The whole plant can be harvested when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back. Carefully pull the entire plant from the ground and cut and shake as above.

Storing Turmeric

Unpeeled turmeric can be stored for a short period of time at room temperature or in an air-tight container in the fridge.

For longer lengths of time, turmeric is best stored in the freezer, or dried and ground into a powder.

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Turmeric plants are a great addition to tropical landscapes. With their long, oval-shaped leaves, they are also great for filling gaps in shady area.

Add a turmeric plant to your herb garden and use the flowers as cut flowers, and the leaves to wrap foods for baking and the rhizome for culinary uses!

With these tips on how to grow and harvest turmeric, you’ll love having a turmeric plant in your garden!