Lyla Lindsey
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical herb that can be grown in Australia in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates. It is a warm climate plant that can be grown from a root (rhizome) or a young plant during spring. The best time to plant turmeric is in October in warm areas and November in cooler areas. Turmeric grows well in well-drained, compost-rich soil and requires consistent moisture during the growing season but does not tolerate waterlogged or overly wet soil. It is ready to harvest approximately 9-10 months after planting, or when the leaves turn yellow and die down.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate zone | Turmeric can be grown in all areas around Australia. In cool climates, it needs protection from frost. |
| When to grow | Turmeric should be grown during the warmest months, with rhizomes planted in spring. |
| Where to grow | Turmeric should be grown in a partly shaded spot in a well-drained garden bed or pot. |
| Growing time | Depending on the climate, Turmeric will be ready to harvest approximately 9-10 months after planting. |
| When to harvest | Harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die down. |
| Soil | Soil should be well-drained and kept moist but not waterlogged. |
| Pests | Snails, slugs, and caterpillars can eat the leaves. |
| Fertiliser | Apply fertiliser every 6-8 weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Turmeric thrives in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical herb and thrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates. It can be grown in all areas of Australia, although it does go dormant in winter. In cooler climates, it is best to grow turmeric in a pot, positioned against a warm, frost-protected wall. Alternatively, it can be grown indoors in a warm, sunny, and brightly lit room.
In warm areas, the best time to plant turmeric is in October, and in November in cooler areas. It is best to plant during the warmest months and grow turmeric in a partly shaded spot in a well-drained garden bed or pot. Turmeric grows quite vigorously, so it only needs to be planted about a hand's depth into the soil. It is important to keep the soil moist but not to overwater it. Applying a layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture.
Turmeric is ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and die down. This usually occurs about nine to ten months after planting. To harvest, gently dig around the rhizomes and remove them from the outside of the clump. The longer the harvest is delayed, the more fibrous and woody the rhizomes will become.
To store fresh turmeric, place the rhizomes in a bucket of sand, which will keep them fresh and mould-free indefinitely. For short-term storage, keep them in a paper bag in the fridge for up to two weeks.
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It can be grown from a root or young plant
Turmeric can be grown from a root or a young plant. If you're planting a root, you'll need a fresh, young, undamaged piece of turmeric rhizome. Cut the rhizome into pieces that are 5–10 cm long, with at least one or two buds on each piece. Plant these pieces about 30 cm apart, just below the surface of the soil. If you're planting a young plant, you can follow the same process, but you won't need to cut the rhizome into pieces first.
Turmeric grows well in a variety of climates in Australia, but it prefers warm temperatures. In cooler climates, it's best to grow turmeric in a pot, positioned against a warm, frost-protected wall. You can also grow turmeric indoors in a warm, sunny, and brightly lit room. The best time to plant turmeric is in October in warm areas and November in cooler areas.
Turmeric grows best in well-drained, compost-rich soil. If you're growing turmeric in a container, choose a pot that's 30–40 cm wide and fill it with a blend of premium potting mix and compost. In tropical regions, it's best to plant turmeric in partial shade to avoid the intense summer sun. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and promote healthy growth.
Turmeric rhizomes will be ready to harvest 9-10 months after planting. You'll know it's time to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and die down. To harvest, gently dig around the rhizomes and use your hands to loosen the soil and lift the plant.
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Harvesting occurs 9-10 months after planting
Harvesting turmeric occurs 9-10 months after planting. The exact time will depend on your climate zone and the size of the rhizomes you want to harvest. In Sydney, for example, turmeric is ready to harvest in late summer or early winter, around eight months after planting. In other areas, turmeric is ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die down in August.
To harvest turmeric, gently dig around the rhizomes and remove them from the outside of the clump. You can use your hands to loosen the soil and gently lift the plant. Be careful not to pierce the rhizomes. The longer the harvest is delayed, the more fibrous and woody the rhizomes will become.
After harvesting, you can store fresh turmeric in a bucket of sand, which will keep it fresh and mould-free indefinitely. For short-term storage, keep it in the fridge for about two weeks in a paper bag. To store dried turmeric, slice the rhizomes into thin rounds and dry them for 4-5 hours in a dehydrator. Then, blend them into a fine powder.
If you are growing turmeric in a pot, you can leave some rhizomes in the pot to regrow in the following spring. In the ground, you can leave some rhizomes in warm climates for the following season.
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Turmeric is susceptible to pests like snails, slugs and caterpillars
Turmeric is susceptible to pests like snails, slugs, and caterpillars. Snails and slugs can devour tender young turmeric foliage, so it is important to take steps to protect your plants. One popular method is to use beer traps. The idea is that snails and slugs are attracted to the smell of the beer, but when they attempt to reach it, they fall into the trap and drown. To make a trap, sink a container (such as a plastic cup or yoghurt pot) into the ground near the plants you want to protect, fill it halfway with beer, and leave it overnight. You can also place scooped-out orange, melon, or grapefruit halves upside down near your plants as an alternative to using beer.
Another option is to use repellents or bait. You can lightly sprinkle some snail and slug bait, such as Yates Snail & Slug Bait, around the base of your plants. However, some people have reported that they have not had much success with bait. Slug pellets, for example, can take time to kill slugs and may not be pet-safe. They can also harm other wildlife in the garden. One natural repellent method is to use coffee grounds. A recent study by the US Department of Agriculture found that treating plants with a 2% caffeine solution killed 95% of snails and slugs and was highly effective at keeping them away from treated soil. Copper is another natural repellent. Laboratory trials show that slugs don't like crawling over copper because it reacts with their slime to give them a mild electric shock. You can purchase copper tape to wrap around your pots or copper-impregnated matting to place your containers on.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for turmeric plants. They enter the aerial stem and kill the central shoot, causing the appearance of a dead heart. The larvae feed on pseudo-stems, causing yellowing and drying. To control caterpillars, you can spray the leaves every 7-14 days with an insecticide such as Yates Success Ultra Insect Control. Regularly checking your plants for pests and acting early can help with pest management and promote the sustainability of your turmeric cultivation.
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The plant can be grown in a garden bed or pot
Turmeric can be grown in a garden bed or pot in Australia. It is a tropical herb and thrives in tropical, sub-tropical, and warm temperate climates. In colder climates, it is recommended to grow turmeric in a pot placed against a warm, frost-protected wall. Alternatively, it can be grown indoors in a warm, sunny, and brightly lit room.
When growing in a garden bed, choose a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or plant fertiliser. In cool and frosty climates, it is advisable to opt for a pot to provide extra warmth and protection.
If using a pot, select a container that is 30-40 cm wide, which can accommodate three rhizome pieces. Fill the pot with a blend of premium potting mix and compost. In tropical regions, partial shade is recommended to shield the plant from the intense summer sun. In cooler areas, use black containers to absorb heat, and consider placing the pots in a greenhouse or warm indoor space.
Whether in a garden bed or pot, it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Apply mulch to retain moisture and promote healthy growth. Turmeric is susceptible to pests such as snails and slugs, and caterpillars, so take appropriate measures to control them.
With proper care, you can successfully grow turmeric in your preferred setting, enjoying its lush foliage and the versatility it offers as a spice and ornamental plant.
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Frequently asked questions
Turmeric can be grown in all areas around Australia, but it is a tropical herb that grows best in tropical, sub-tropical, and warm temperate climates. In cooler climates, it is best to grow turmeric in a pot, positioned against a warm, frost-protected wall. You can also grow it indoors in a warm, sunny, and brightly lit room. The best time to plant turmeric is in October in warm areas and November in cooler areas.
You can grow turmeric from a root (rhizome) or a young turmeric plant during spring. To plant, place a hand-sized rhizome about a hand's depth into the soil with the nodules facing up. Space each piece of rhizome 30cm apart, just below the surface of well-drained, compost-rich soil. If growing in a container, choose a 30-40cm wide pot and fill it with a 50:50 blend of premium potting mix and compost.
Turmeric likes moist but not waterlogged soil. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture. You can also feed the plant every 6-8 weeks with a fertiliser. Turmeric leaves can be eaten by snails and slugs, so lightly sprinkle some snail and slug bait around the base of the plants.
