Turmeric
Botanical Information
| Botanical Information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Curcuma |
| Common Name | Turmeric |
| Species | C. longa |
Maturity days
- 210-300 days (7-10 months)
Planting Months
| Planting months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| X | X | X | X | X | |||||||
Permaculture uses
| Permaculture uses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Usage 1 | Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Spice | Medicinal, ground cover, chop & drop | Dye, cosmetic, bee food |
Growing condition comments
| Growing Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
| Drought Tolerant | Low tolerance, requires consistent moisture |
| Humidity tolerant | Prefers high humidity |
| Planting area | Well-drained, rich soil in garden beds or large pots |
| Sunlight | Partial shade to full sun, prefers dappled sunlight |
Photos
| Photos | |
|---|---|
 |  |
| Tumeric sprouting in December - ready for planting with the onset of the wet season | Young tumeric plant |
Recipes
Short comments
Turmeric is a versatile, tropical perennial herb grown for its flavorful and medicinal rhizomes.
General comments
Ecology
Turmeric thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures between 20-30°C and high annual rainfall. It grows well as an understory plant in food forests.
Uses
Turmeric is widely used as a spice, natural dye, and for its medicinal properties. The rhizomes are the primary part used, but leaves can also be utilized in cooking.
Food
The rhizomes are dried and ground into a powder used in curries, mustards, and other dishes. Fresh turmeric can be grated or sliced for use in teas, smoothies, and various recipes.
Planting Depth
Plant rhizomes 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) deep in the soil.
Seed Saving Tips
Turmeric is propagated by rhizome division rather than seeds. Save healthy rhizomes for replanting.
Cautionary Comments
Turmeric can stain clothes and skin. Wear gloves when handling fresh rhizomes.
Planting stored tubers
Store rhizomes in a cool, dry place until planting time. In October, November, or December, when humidity increases, plant the stored rhizomes in well-prepared soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage sprouting.
Freezing tubers
Turmeric rhizomes can be frozen for year-round use. Clean and slice or grate the rhizomes, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen turmeric can be used directly in cooking without thawing.
