Turmeric
Curcuma longa
herbTurmeric is a tropical ginger relative grown for its vivid orange-fleshed rhizomes, the source of curcumin and the golden color of curry. It forms tall, broad-leaved clumps and needs a long warm season of eight to ten months, so it is usually grown in containers outside frost-free regions.
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Sun
partial shade
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~240 days
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
tender perennial
Perennial in warm zones; grown as an annual where winters freeze
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Spacing
12-18 in. apart
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Planting Depth
Rhizome 2-4 in. deep, buds up
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Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining loam
Hardiness Zones
Zones 8 – 13
When to Fertilize
Monthly through the growing season
Fertilizer
Balanced or compost; rich feeder
🌱 Growing Guide
Presprout rhizome pieces indoors in late winter, then plant them 2 to 4 inches deep, buds up, once soil is reliably warm. Turmeric wants rich, well-drained loam, dappled shade in the hottest climates, steady moisture, and monthly feeding. It has zero cold tolerance and collapses below 50F, so grow it in a pot in cool regions and bring it indoors before frost.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
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Transplant outdoors
May 13
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Projected first harvest
Jan 8
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Ginger — An identical-care relative that grows happily in the same bed or pot
- Pepper — Shares the heat and leaves the shaded soil to the rhizomes
- Beans — Fix nitrogen that this rich feeder appreciates
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Use well-drained soil and disease-free rhizomes and never let pots stay waterlogged
Raise humidity and rinse foliage on indoor or stressed plants
Hose off colonies and encourage beneficial insects
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest after eight to ten months once the leaves have fully withered and before frost, digging the whole clump. Boil and dry the rhizomes for ground turmeric, or use them fresh; save a few buds to replant.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
The orange rhizomes are rich in curcumin, an antioxidant compound studied for its anti-inflammatory effects.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.