Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial plant in the ginger family, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its rhizomes (underground stems) are used to produce a bright yellow-orange spice, also called turmeric, which is widely used in South Asian cooking. Turmeric is a common spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is also used as a natural food coloring agent and a preservative because of curcumin. How deeply orange the color is a direct indication of how much curcumin it contains, meaning it has a higher health value!
Turmeric grows from rhizomes rather than seeds. Turmeric grows best in well drained, high organic, fertile soils. While turmeric loves the sun and heat, It will grow well in full sun to partial shade, but will benefit from some shade in the hottest climates (when over 90 degrees F). If planting in-ground, choose a planting location that has good drainage. Turmeric requires 8 to 10 months of frost-free growing, from planting to harvest. Turmeric can be planted any time of year. Turmeric can be grown outside year-round in USDA zones 8 and higher, in the ground or in containers. In zones 7 and lower, turmeric will need to be planted in a container indoors, and brought outside when the weather warms up enough. If you start turmeric inside, you will need to harden off your plants before keeping them outdoors regularly. If you plant it in a container, it should be at least 12” in diameter.
The Haldi ceremony, a practice in Hindu and South Asian Muslim wedding celebrations, is a pre-wedding ritual during which the bride and groom are smeared with turmeric paste. This is for both for good luck and to brighten, lighten, and even out skin tone. The nuptial thread used during the wedding ceremony is also dyed yellow with turmeric.
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Be sure to check out our Tumeric Growing Guide to learn more tips & tricks on successfully growing Tumeric at home.
Turmeric is a perennial plant and is in the same family as ginger. Turmeric grows rhizomes underground which are harvested and used in a variety of ways. It is commonly used as a cooking spice in Indian cuisine. While it has been utilized for 4,000 years medicinally, it has only been in the past 25 years that the tremendous health benefits of turmeric have been scientifically validated through hundreds of medical research studies. Our turmeric roots are All-Natural, Grown in the USA!! Curcuma longa. 1 lb, 5 lb, & 10 lb variations
You can grow turmeric in-ground or in containers. Turmeric requires 9-10 months until harvest, if you are in a cooler climate (USDA zone 7 and lower), we recommend growing in containers so the plant can be moved indoors during the cold months. Turmeric can be grown outside year-round in USDA zones 8 and higher. If you are planning on growing your turmeric in a container, make sure you choose the correct size. We recommend a 15-gallon or 45-gallon Root Pouch grow bag.
As noted in the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Journal, turmeric, and its primary compound, curcumin, can modulate multiple human cell signaling pathways. These pathways impact physiological processes, and especially those involved in the immune system...
Curcumin, the most widely recognized component in turmeric, is chemically a lipophilic polyphenol, which is scientifically recognized as an antioxidant. In addition to its antioxidant properties, research findings published in 2020 in Frontiers in Pharmacology revealed the following five other benefits from ingestion of the Curcumin in Turmeric:
Neuroprotective effects (i.e., protective of the nervous system);
Anti-cancer effects (through biochemical effects on signaling pathways);
Hepatoprotective effects (i.e., protective of the liver);
Cardio-protective effects (i.e., protective of the heart)
Check out our Turmeric Growing Guide at Hoss University!
Row Spacing - 3 to 4 feet
Plant Spacing - 12 to 18 inches
Planting Depth - 3 to 4 inches
Row Spacing - 2 to 4 feet
Plant Spacing - 12 to 18 inches
Planting Depth - 3 to 4 inches
Turmeric plants need at least 1 inch of water per week. Using drip irrigation is always recommended to be sure that your plants are getting moisture directly to their root system. If you’re using conventional overhead watering techniques, try and use something like the Dramm Watering Can and water and fertilize at the base of the plant to keep moisture off the leaves.
Test your soil at your local extension office.
After adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 7.0, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.
Sidedress 2 cups of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft. of row.
Sidedress with 3 cups Pelletized Gypsum soil conditioner per 10 ft of row. Discontinue fertilizing 45 days before frost.
Test your soil at your local extension office.
After adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 7.0, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.
Sidedress 2 cups of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft. of row.
Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium Calcium Nitrate -AND -1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.
Sidedress with 3 cups Pelletized Gypsum soil conditioner per 10 ft of row. Discontinue fertilizing 45 days before frost.
Turmeric is unlikely to have much issue with pests.
Turmeric leaves will start to turn yellow-brown and dry when it is time for harvest, particularly the outer leaves. This could easily take up to 10 months from planting. Gently dig down with your hands or a trowel in a wide pattern around the turmeric stalks to loosen the soil, taking care not to stab and damage the rhizomes. We personally use a 4-prong digging fork because it does not cut the rhizomes like a shovel will. Only once the soil is loose enough, you can either gently pull up on the stalks or scoop them out from below. It’s important to note that turmeric stains easily, so it’s a good idea to wear gloves and old clothes when handling the fresh rhizomes.
Carefully cut the rhizome hand away from the stalk. Also, they will have some odd long roots attached to them, which can be cut off with clean scissors or snips and composted. Then, allow the skins to thoroughly air dry before putting them away in storage. This can take several days to a week, depending on the drying method and humidity. Once the rhizomes are fully dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You could also break some of the rhizomes off for your use and replant the remainder. Turmeric can be used fresh, but it is most commonly dried and used as a powder.
Turmeric also has a long history of use in traditional medicine, where it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, inflammation, and infections. In recent years, turmeric has gained popularity in the Western world for its potential health benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, is believed to be responsible for many of its health benefits. Turmeric has been scientifically proven to be one of the most powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory plants known to man. Its medicinal properties include protection against cancer and Alzheimer’s as well as pain relief, and much more.
To reap the optimum health benefits, always add a dash of black pepper with your turmeric! Black pepper vastly increases the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin, as consuming ¼ teaspoon of pepper with curcumin increases the bioavailability by 2000%. Even with just a pinch of pepper, levels significantly increase. Also, consuming it as a whole food or root (even dried and ground) as opposed to curcumin extract, or consuming it with fats like oils or milk, also significantly increases bioavailability.
The taste of a homegrown lettuce is unlike anything store-bought and is more densely packed with Vitamin A! This easy to grow cool season crop is a garden staple for beginners and experts alike.
