This perennial is in the same plant family asginger.
While it is primarily grown for culinary purposes, the canna-like flowers make turmeric an attractive foliage plant.
If grown in ideal conditions, the plant produces flower stems with showy bracts in late summer.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Turmeric is planted in the spring.
Otherwise, start to sprout turmeric indoors around the same time.
In southern locations, a garden spot that has morning sun and some afternoon shade is preferable.
Turmeric Care
Light
In cooler northern locations, turmeric grows best infull sun.
In southern climates, it benefits from partial sun, especially during the hot afternoon hours.
Soil
Turmeric likes a rich soil.
Addingcompostand/or manure helps achieve this.
The soil should also drain well.
Water
The water needs of the plant vary depending on the growth stage.
After planting and until the rhizomes sprout, water it moderately.
At this point, turmeric does not absorb a lot of water yet and overwatering leads to root rot.
Fertilizer
Turmeric requires regular fertilization during the growing season in the spring and summer.
Feed it with a complete, balancedwater-soluble fertilizer, such as10-10-10, once a month.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Leave at least a portion of each rhizome in the ground; it will regrow next spring.
Unpeeled fresh turmeric keeps in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for several weeks.
For longer storage, freeze or dry it to grind it into a powder afterward.
Brown leaves may mean the plant needs more water.
However yellowing, dying leaves are normal when the plant is going into dormancy in the winter.
Propagating Turmeric
Turmeric is easily propagated by division.
Do this while the plant is dormant.
However, turmeric benefits from repotting just to refresh the potting mix after a year or two.
Repotting is best done at the end of the dormancy period in late winter.
Gently lift the plant out of the pot.
Discard all of the old soil and clean and sanitize the pot.
Fill it with fresh potting mix.
Plant the turmeric at the same depth as the previous pot and water it well.
Dig out plants that were grown in garden soil.
Cut off the top growth and carefully shake off excess soil.
Store the rhizomes in peat moss, sawdust, orvermiculitein a cool, dry location.
Keep the storage medium slightly moist throughout winter by occasionally misting it.
Move potted turmeric indoors after removing the above-ground portion of the plant.
Return it outdoors once the weather warms up in the spring.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Turmeric is not prone to get serious pests or diseases.
When the soil is too dry,spider mitesmay appear.
Soil and overwatered soil lead to soft rot, dry rot, Fusarium rot, and rhizome rot.
Turmeric that is sold at supermarkets is often treated with growth inhibitors to prevent it from sprouting.
This is not the jot down you will be able to grow.
Rhizomes that are plump, have smooth skin, and look fresh do not require soaking.
Turmeric does not produce seeds like most other plants do.
All parts of the turmeric plant are edible including not just the roots but also the leaves and flowers.
Growing Turmeric and Ginger Indoors.The University of Vermont.
