Curcuma longa
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) /ˈtÉœrmÉ™rɪk/ is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and propagated from some of those rhizomes in the following season.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) /ˈtÉœrmÉ™rɪk/ is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and propagated from some of those rhizomes in the following season.
Bloom time
June
October
November
Bloom colors
White
Care - Blooming
Blooms small, 3-petaled, tubular flowers, that are often overpowered by the plants' colorful bracts.
Care - Pruning
No pruning is generally necessary.
Care - Growth
Rhizomatous perennials with fleshy roots and aromatic rhizomes. Grows best in partial shade, or bright filtered light, with moderate humidity. In areas where temperatures drop below 64°F (18°C), raise Curcuma in a warm greenhouse. A warm greenhouse has a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C). During the day, temperatures should be set to 55-64°F (13-18°C) or above, and at night, the temperature should be at 55°F (13°C). In tropical areas, Curcuma works well as a groundcove
Temperature (min)
10
Temperature (max)
36
Sun
Details - Heat
This plant may begin to suffer from the heat if exposed to more than 151 days when the average daily temperature is above 30°C (86°F). It may suffer irreparable damage when exposed to more than 210 days when the average daily temperature is above 30°C (86°F).
Winter: This plant can suffer irreversible damage and potentially die when the temperature reaches -12°C (10 °F) or less.
Winter: This plant can suffer irreversible damage and potentially die when the temperature reaches -12°C (10 °F) or less.
Interesting facts
Curcuma is native to Australia and tropical Asia and is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The rhizomes of many species have culinary value. Like C. longa (turmeric), many are used to make spices. Turmeric is often used in South Asian and Middle Eastern curries. It also has many medicinal properties.
Height (min)
()
60Height (max)
()
90Lifetime
Perennial
Harvest time
June
October
November
Details - Harvesting
Usually, the rhizomes of C. longa (turmeric) are harvested and made into a powder. The rhizomes are boiled for many hours, then dried in a hot oven, and finally grounded into a spice powder.
Care - Soil irigation
Does best in soil that is fertile, well-draining yet moist. Water liberally during the growing season, but try to keep almost completely dry when dormant (at 54°F/12°C). Soil based potting mixes work well for indoor plants. Pot on, or move plants to a large container, in spring.
Water
Fertilizer
Details - Fertilization
Needs fertile soil to grow well. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis during the growing season.
Care - Pest
When ripe, sow seeds at 68°F (20°C). Conduct division in spring. Division entails propagating a plant by splitting it into 2 or more parts. Each part has its own root system and more than one shoot or dormant bud.
Planting density min
45
Planting density max
60
Care - Planting
Uncommon.