Grow Well Guides

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice famous for its warm, earthy flavour and vibrant yellow-orange hue, derived from the rhizomes of a tropical plant. It's a versatile ingredient used in various cuisines and is also associated with potential health benefits. Growing turmeric can be a rewarding addition to your garden, offering both culinary and potential wellness advantages.

Planting Calendar

Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring

Plant Turmeric in September to October when the soil is warm.

Harvest In

7-10 months from planting.

Harvest Turmeric when the plants begin to naturally go yellow and die back. Harvest wearing a pair of gloves as the roots will stain your hands. You can either harvest the entire plant by, digging it up and removing any soil, cut off all the leaves above ground. Break the roots off and keep some for cooking. Store the rest in a plastic bag or other container and keep in a cool, dark place until it is time to replant them. Alternatively you can just harvest some, dig down carefully and remove just what you need and leave the plant to continue growing.

Prepare

Turmeric is a flowering perennial, rhizomatous plant belonging to the ginger family. Native to South East Asia it requires warm temperatures where it will reward you with stunning tropical foliage and beautiful white flowers from 1 year old undisturbed plants, which look fantastic in a tropical garden or a pot on the patio. The rhizomes (roots) are used to infuse and add colour and flavour to food.

Position

Turmeric like a warm spot in the garden either in full sun to light shade. To much shade can reduce yield.

Soil

When planted into the ground Turmeric prefers a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.

Plant

When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.

Care

Watering

Keep turmeric moist during dry periods. Avoid overwatering as it does not like waterlogged soil.

Feeding

Feed regularly with Aqauticus Garden Booster.

Protecting

Protect from frost and cold winds.

Spraying

Spraying is not generally needed when growing Turmeric.

Pruning

The only pruning that is need is when you are dividing the clump.

Expert Tip

Turmeric is a clumping plant and will send out new shoots forming a large clump. Every 3 years in September-October it is recommended to dig up and divide the clump into several new smaller clumps.

Frequently Asked Questions