Curcuma Longa Turmeric

Now you can grow a superfood in your own garden! An attractive tropical plant, Curcuma longa Turmeric is well known as a culinary spice as well as having a number of health benefits. All parts of this wonderful plant can be utilised- the new shoots can be used as a green vegetable, the broad leaves can be used as a wrap to impart a delicate flavour to your cooking, and the vibrant orange/yellow tubers can be used freshly grated or dried and ground. Turmeric is best known for its warm, earthy flavour and the striking golden colour it lends to countless dishes across many cuisines. Often referred to as "Indian Saffron," it brings both beauty and depth of flavour to the kitchen.

Suitable for growing in a warm sheltered garden or in a large pot, Curcuma is dormant in cooler climates and will need protection from frost and cold wet conditions. With tall foliage looking just like other members of this Ginger family, Curcuma longa produces beautfiul longlasting white flower spikes and delicate yellow day flowers. This combination of beauty and usefulness makes turmeric a valuable and attractive addition to any garden or patio pot.

For best results plant into a well drained soil. In cooler climates wait until soil has thoroughly warmed after Winter as this tropical plant is prone to rotting in cold, wet conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season to support healthy growth and a good harvest. Turmeric can be harvested around 9-10 months after planting, or when the lower leaves are beginning to yellow. For small quantities, you can gently lift tubers from the edge of the clump without disturbing the entire plant.

In cooler regions, Turmeric remains dormant until late Spring, then begins flowering from mid-Summer through to early or mid-Autumn. It prefers full shade but will also grow well in part sun.