How to Grow Turmeric

Choose a frost-free spot in a garden bed with partial shade all day (or gentle morning sun and afternoon shade) and well-drained soil. Enrich with a rich source of organic matter like Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In cool and frosty climates, it's best to grow Turmeric in a pot in a warm sheltered location. 

Turmeric can be grown from a root (rhizome) or a young Turmeric plant during spring. Dig holes in the soil 5 cm deep and 30-40 cm apart, place the root pieces in the holes and cover with soil. Water well to settle the soil around the roots. 

When planting young plants, dig a hole in the soil twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease out the roots. Position in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Water well after planting. 

It's important to water regularly to keep the soil moist. Applying a layer of mulch, like Yates Dynamic Lifter 4-in-1 Mulch, around the plants can help retain soil moisture. Snails and slugs can devour tender young Turmeric foliage, so lightly sprinkle some Yates Snail & Slug Bait around the plants. 

Keep the soil moist and to promote healthy growth and plump rhizomes feed every 6 - 8 weeks with Yates Dynamic Lifter Tomatoes, Vegies & Herbs. 

Turmeric rhizomes will be ready to harvest 9-10 months after planting. Leaves turning yellow is an additional sign that it's harvest time. Gently dig around in the soil and remove the rhizomes that you need from the outside of the clump. The rest can be left to harvest at a later date. However, the longer the harvest is delayed, the more fibrous and woody the rhizomes will become. In well-drained soil, remaining rhizomes will re-grow in the following spring.  

After peak harvest, cut back the yellow or brown stems to ground level. Unless it is particularly dry, the clump does not need to be watered again until new shoots emerge in spring. 

Choose a pot at least 300 mm wide and deep and position in a partly shaded spot (part shade all day or gentle morning sun and afternoon shade). Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Turmeric can be grown from a root (rhizome) or a young Turmeric plant during spring. Dig holes in the potting mix 5 cm deep and 30-40 cm apart, place the root pieces in the holes and cover with potting mix. Water well to settle the potting mix around the roots.

When planting young plants, dig a hole in the potting mix twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease out the roots. Position in the hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water well after planting.

It's important to water regularly to keep the potting mix moist. Applying a layer of mulch, like Yates Dynamic Lifter 4 in 1 Mulch, around the plants can help retain moisture. Snails and slugs can devour tender young Turmeric foliage, so lightly sprinkle some Yates Snail & Slug Bait around the plants.

Keep the potting mix moist and to promote healthy growth and plump rhizomes feed every 6-8 weeks with Yates Dynamic Lifter Tomatoes, Vegies & Herbs.

Turmeric rhizomes will be ready to harvest 9-10 months after planting. Leaves turning yellow is an additional sign that it's harvest time. Gently dig around in the soil and remove the fresh rhizomes that you need from the outside of the clump. The rest can be left to harvest at a later date. However, the longer the harvest is delayed, the more fibrous and woody the rhizomes will become. In well-drained soil, remaining rhizomes will re-grow in the following spring.

After peak harvest, cut back the yellow or brown stems down to the potting mix. Only water sparingly until shoots emerge in spring.

Yes, you can start plants from fresh Turmeric pieces purchased at a supermarket or greengrocer. Where possible, it's best to use organic Turmeric, otherwise it may have been sprayed with a sprouting inhibitor.

Turmeric plants grow to around 1 m tall.

Yes, mature plants develop very pretty fragrant white flowers during summer. 

Turmeric does best in a spot with light shade all day or gentle morning sun and afternoon shade. 

Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial herb.

Yes, Turmeric needs to be kept consistently moist throughout the growing season.

Turmeric is a tropical herb and grows best in Australia in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates. In colder 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. 

When stored correctly, in a cool, dry and dark place, home-grown Turmeric roots can be replanted in spring. 

Turmeric leaves can be eaten by Snails and Slugs, as well as Caterpillars. Control Snails & Slugs by lightly sprinkling Yates Snail & Slug Bait around the base of the plants. Control Caterpillars by spraying the leaves every 7-14 days with Yates Success Ultra Insect Control. 

There are few reasons why leaves turn yellow, including waterlogged soil and lack of nutrients.

Although Turmeric needs consistent moisture during the growing season, it doesn't tolerate waterlogged or overly wet soil. Ensure you plant Turmeric in well-drained soil, or try growing it in a pot. 

Lack of nutrients can lead to leaves yellowing. Feed Turmeric every 6-8 weeks from spring to autumn with a complete plant food like Yates Dynamic Lifter Tomatoes, Vegies & Herbs.