The thick, cylindrical rhizome or underground stem of a tropical plant belongs to the ginger family. Finely grated it adds many health benefits and a brilliant colour and earthy flavour to foods such as Indian curries, rice and vegetarian dishes. Fresh Turmeric is lightly aromatic and slightly peppery, the flavour is pungent and bitter. Turmeric is a primary ingredient of Curry Powder. Used heavily in Indian Cuisine such as legumes, beans, and vegetable dishes. That wonderful ballpark mustard also contains turmeric as a colouring. To make yellow rice, use one teaspoon to colour one cup of raw rice. In the garden, the luscious leafy plant produces a spectacular flower that will stop you in your tracks, making a great ornamental feature in a subtropical garden. The foliage will die back in the winter indicating it is ready for harvest.

Specifications of Turmeric

Preferred ClimateTropical, Subtropical

Grown FromRhizome

Max Height (when in the ground with good conditions)0-1m

Plants required to Pollinate1 (Self Pollinating)

Can it Handle Frosts?Sometimes

Amount of leaves in Winter?No Leaves (Deciduous)

Quarantine Restrictions to these AreasWA

Suitability in PotsYes

Water RequirementsModerate Watering

Time to Fruit/Flower/HarvestFirst Year

Sun or ShadeFull (Sun:80%-100%)

Preferred Soil TypeGood Drainage

Soil pHNeutral (6.6-7.3pH)

Fruiting/Harvest MonthsJuly, August, September