Turmeric Planting Questions and Answers (FAQs)

Introduction to turmeric planting questions and answers (FAQs): Hello gardeners, we are here with another helpful article. Do you want to plant turmeric and do you have any doubts about planting turmeric? Well and then you will need to follow this complete article to grow your own turmeric plant.

Turmeric is a very simple flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the roots of which are usually used in cooking. The article includes:

Questions about turmeric
How to grow turmeric for beginners
Turmeric problems
Why is my turmeric not growing?
Why my plant’s leaves are curling?

The overview table of turmeric is given below:

Botanical Name	Curcuma longa
Common Name	Turmeric, common turmeric, and turmeric root
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size	3 to 4 feet tall and even wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun in the far North and partial sun
Soil Type	Rich, well-drained, and even consistently moist
Soil pH	slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
Bloom Time	July to August
Flower (Bract) Color	Burgundy, green, pink, white, yellow, and even bicolored

Turmeric Planting Questions and Answers, Turmeric Quiz Questions, Turmeric Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Turmeric is a tropical plant that is great for growing in warm and humid climates. This spice has a few medicinal benefits and it has a distinct flavor. Turmeric is more expensive to buy than its close relative, so-called ginger. Growing your own turmeric has financial benefits, as well as medicinal benefits.

Now, let us discuss some frequently asked questions about turmeric

How long does it take to grow a turmeric plant?

Turmeric usually takes seven to ten months from planting to harvest. To figure out when you should plant, you need to count back 10 months from when you usually get your first frost in the fall.

Should I need to soak turmeric before planting?

Turmeric rhizomes are typically very smaller than ginger so you may not need to break your turmeric into smaller pieces. You will just need to make sure that there are a few nubs on each piece. You will need to soak your pieces for a few hours before planting. You can even soak them overnight if you wish.

Does turmeric need full sun to grow well?

Turmeric likes the sun but it is a little sensitive to scorching. It will grow very well in full sun to partial shade but will benefit from some afternoon shade in the hottest climates (when over 32°C).

Can I grow turmeric from store-bought?

Yes, you can grow turmeric from grocery store-purchased roots; but it can be difficult because these rhizomes may have been treated with a growth inhibitor to prevent them from sprouting in the grocery store. If possible, better look for rhizomes with knobs that are slightly green. That is a very good sign that they’re ready to sprout.

Can I grow turmeric in pots?

You need to choose a pot that is at least 300 mm wide and deep and then position it in a bright or part shade spot. Fill the pot with good quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. After that, plant the root piece out in 35 cm intervals, 5 cm deep.

What is the best fertilizer for the turmeric plant?

Turmeric is also a very heavy feeder so use a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with quality compost to start. Once the turmeric is actively growing, then feed throughout the season every few weeks. Worm castings, organic liquid fertilizer, granular organic fertilizers, or even compost tea are good choices.

How can I grow turmeric from store-bought turmeric?

You need to plant each rhizome about two or three inches deep into the soil and then keep it well-watered. It will begin to sprout in about a month. In very warmer climates, you can even plant it directly into the ground in late January. In a cooler climate, you need to start it in a pot, and then move it outdoors when the ground warms up.

Where does turmeric grow well and best?

It thrives best on loamy or even alluvial fertile soils and it cannot stand waterlogging. The heavy shade will reduce the yield but the light shade is more beneficial.

You may also check this: Pumpkin Seed Germination.

How do I know that my turmeric is ready to harvest?

Your turmeric will be ready to harvest when the leaves and even stem start to turn brown and dry, about seven to ten months after planting. You need to tip out the plants, soil and all, and then shake the soil off your fresh turmeric. After that, cut the stems off an inch or so above the mass of rhizomes and then wash the rhizomes properly.

Why my turmeric leaves are turning yellow?

If the turmeric leaves becoming yellow or even burns at the edges, then it means that you are over-watering and/or signs of insufficient nutrients.

How can I take care of a turmeric plant?

Basic caring requirements for growing turmeric plant are given below:

Light: In the far North, you need to give your turmeric plant full sun. The further south you are, the more it is advisable to afford some afternoon shade to the plant.

Soil: Turmeric usually likes rich soil. Adding compost and/or manure will help to achieve this.

Water: Turmeric is a good plant that tolerates wet soil.

How often should I water the turmeric plant?

Turmeric grows better when it is kept moist, especially in very hot climates. Water it about every two days, and then spray it with a mist bottle between waterings. When the weather is cool, you will not need to water it as often. You will always need to maintain the soil moist, but never soggy.

Does the turmeric plant grow in clay soil?

Though it can be grown on different types of soils, it usually thrives best in well-drained sandy or even clay loam soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5 with very good organic status.

Can I grow turmeric in a greenhouse?

Turmeric is part of the ginger family. To protect turmeric from cooler temperatures, you will need to grow in a greenhouse. Growing turmeric in the greenhouse will benefit plant growth.

Can I grow turmeric indoors?

They are very easy to grow in containers and they adapt very well to living inside although they do benefit from time outside during the very warm weather months.

Does the turmeric plant die in the winter?

Though it’s a tropical plant that thrives on heat and even moisture, turmeric will grow very well in temperate zones during summer, but it does die down in winter every year.

Does the turmeric plant need lots of water?

Water every 2 days – Keeping the soil damp is the key to success, so make sure you don’t leave your turmeric too long between watering. We usually recommend topping the water up in the soil every couple of days. Remember; you need to add the water slowly to avoid drowning your turmeric.

In what type of growing conditions does turmeric like to grow?

Like ginger, turmeric also thrives and likes to grow in warm, humid conditions and well-drained, neutral soil.

Why my turmeric plant leaves are curling?

Your turmeric plant leaves will curl due to more sunlight. Be sure that you provide the required amount of sunlight to your plant.

Can I grow ginger and turmeric together?

You can plant both turmeric and ginger on the same ground, but if you live in an area with very bad soil, then it must be amended first. We usually suggest that the above mixture for in-ground gardens too.

How can I control rhizome rot in turmeric?

To control rhizome rot in turmeric plant:

Seed materials need to be selected from disease-free areas.
You need to avoid water stagnation in the field.
Grow tolerant varieties like Suguna and even Sudarshan.
Plant rotation to be followed.
Deep plough in summer is required.

Why my turmeric plant leaves are changing their color?

When the leaves change color, then it’s time for the rhizomes to be harvested. You need to cover with sawdust or dry peat and then dry them in the shade. Turmeric plants are very hardy. Even after a spell of drought, the bulbs can be dug up and then harvested.

How can I regrow my turmeric plant?

Cut your rhizomes into different sections, with two or three buds on each section
Fill 3-inch pots halfway with very good potting soil
Lay the rhizome sections flat on the soil, and then cover with more potting soil
Water very well and slip the pots into clear plastic bags

Is turmeric a rabi or Kharif plant?

Turmeric is a Kharif plant that grows very well in a hot and humid climate and prospers in light black or red soil. Sowing of the rootstalk needs to be done during the spring season and the plant becomes ready to harvest within 7 to 8 months.

Why my turmeric plant leaves are turning brown?

Turmeric plants are usually prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spots and even leaf blotch that cause brown spots on the leaves and that may cause leaves to dry and wilt. Spraying organic fungicides can help them.

Turmeric plant’s leaves are edible or not?

In case if you miss this: How To Grow Rose Flowers In Greenhouse.

The turmeric plant is widely known for its edible roots, all parts of the plant including the leaves and even flowers can be consumed. Turmeric leaves are very commonly used in curries in the regions of Goa and Kerala, India, and they are often added to ghee-based sweets or pickled for later use.

Is Turmeric easy to grow or not?

Luckily turmeric is very easy to grow if you have a good sunny spot to put a large pot or even planter. Give it what it likes and it will grow like a weed and then harvest at right time. Like ginger, even turmeric thrives in warm, humid conditions and well-drained, neutral soil.

How can I grow turmeric in North Florida?

To plant, you need to cut the rhizome into different pieces 1 to 1½ inches long, each containing at least one “eye” if possible. You need to do this a few days ahead of planting to allow the cut surfaces to dry, reducing the chances of rotting. In your prepared bed, just insert each piece and then cover with about 1 inch of soil.

1 COMMENT

Katy Vinsonhaler October 17, 2022 At 11:48 pm

I do not harvest my beautiful turmeric. I only wonder if I can trim the 4’ leaves in order for it to be manageable inside during cold weather.
Thank you!