Using turmeric in dishes provides immense health benefits. If you want to take a stab at growing your own turmeric, it is pretty darn easy once the roots germinate. It grows similar to ginger and you harvest the roots. Unlike ginger, you must harvest the entire plant when it matures.
I know you are all ready to grow turmeric–but here is the kicker–it takes 8 to 10 months before you can harvest the plant.
Before you say, “Anna, I am up for the journey,” let’s talk facts. If you live in an area where you have frost, you will need to take the plant inside to a sunny location. I took my plant in before the weather temperature was below 65 degrees.
Only gardeners in zone 9 can grow this plant outside.
After I took the plant inside, I waited and waited until this March to harvest the plant.
This plant isn’t meant for impatient gardeners.
Yeah. I know. I didn’t have to try and persuade you not to grow turmeric. You are saying to yourself, “Anna, get to how do I grow turmeric. Let’s move on.”
Moving along quickly.
How to Grow Turmeric
Normally, turmeric, when grown in the ground, can reach about five feet tall. If you don’t live in a frost free friendly place, you will need to grow it in a pot which is 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep.
If you can grow turmeric in the ground, plant it in the fall.
Although you can purchase a plant, you can also grow turmeric from store bought turmeric. Be sure it is organic so that it isn’t sprayed to stunt germination. Here are some sources where to purchase turmeric rhizomes.
If you buy it from a health shop, you might want to purchase a few just in case one doesn’t sprout.
When I harvested mine, I took a piece with 2 knuckles and planted it 2 inches deep in the soil. Turn the plant so it is “knuckles up.” Keep the soil moist–but not sopping wet or it will rot. In about a month or so, you should see small sprouts.
Once mine sprouts, I will post a picture of my new turmeric plant.
Generally you want your seedlings to be 16 inches apart so they have room to grow.
Water weekly. Remember this is a tropical plant. In addition, fertilize it with liquid seaweed twice a month.
Honestly, I didn’t fertilize my plant. Next time I will fertilize it and see if my new plant produce more turmeric roots. I did notice that my plant only grew to about a foot tall and never flowered. Was it the pot or the lack of fertilizer? Time will tell. Stay tuned.
Harvesting Turmeric
As I mentioned above, you wait awhile for this plant. Once the leaves start to wilt and brown, it is time to harvest the plant. I waited until my plant was completely brown to pull it up. Watch the video below as I harvest the turmeric.
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Store turmeric in a dark cool place. I decided to store it in the freezer until I need it. Be sure to read my turmeric health benefit article which has over 20+ recipes for your use.
Join the Conversation:
- Do you grow turmeric?
- Do you love turmeric?
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marion says
How do I FIND OUT WHAT ZONE i am in to grow tumeric?
Anna@Green Talk says
Are you US based? If so, here ===>https://www.garden.org/zipzone/. If not, let me know where you are based. Anna
Sarah says
This makes me wish I liked turmeric! Right now I only use it when someone in our house has a cold. 🙂
heather says
I would really need to work on my patience…I am in zone 5 😉 thanks for showing me how I can do this though.
Betsy (Eco-novice) says
You are so hard core, growing your own spices. Love it!
Anna@Green Talk says
I love that you think I am hard core. Others (ie my family) think I am nuts. Anna
REA says
Turmeric is a healer root. Love to cook with it and make tea. I usually use the powder and now I take turmeric extract capsules to fight off inflammation. Last year I planted an organic turmeric root and its still thriving in doors.
http://LivingItUpAlternatively.blogspot.com
Rich says
How do you plant it if you have sprouts on both sides?
thanks in advance.
rich
Anna@Green Talk says
Hmm. Can you gently cut it in two? Honestly, I would put in one big pot and let them all grow. Anna
Dian says
I plant turmeric every year to harvest the leaves only. I use the leave to make rendang (beef in coconut milk) and sour and spicy fish. I love the aroma 🙂
Anna@Green Talk says
Dian, I would have never thought to use the leaves! Can you give me a recipe for the fish? What do the leaves taste like? Anna
roz.kay says
I have plant my turmeric sprouts waiting for it to flower. Im in a warmer part of the earth.
SOME HINTS FOR UR READERS IN HOW TO USE IT AS A MEDICINE.
Dry Turmeric powder is good for cuts n gashes. It can sting a bit , but if u can bear up it heals very fast, also a pinch with half a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey, helps stop any blood clots from forming after an injury.