How to Care for Turmeric Plants: Grow, Harvest, & Uses

Turmeric has become more well-known over the years with golden milk and turmeric lattes popping up in coffee shops, but we’ve been using this powerful plant for years! Recognizable by its bright orange color when dried and ground, there’s a reason they call it the golden spice.

For those of you who, like us, prefer your herbs and spices homegrown, the good news is that turmeric plants are relatively easy to grow and care for! Whether you decide to use it to season food or for natural herbal remedies, there are many benefits to enjoy. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you plant turmeric, this article is for you.

Discover how to grow a turmeric plant, care for turmeric plants, and harvest fresh turmeric rhizomes. You'll also explore our top tips for growing a turmeric plant, such as proper soil preparation, ideal climates, watering, fertilizing, and more. The medicinal benefits of the spice, plus the many ways to use it, are also included in our comprehensive guide on how to grow turmeric!

The Legal Stuff

This blog is provided by St. Fiacre's Farm LLC for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, and you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns. Please note that we may earn a small commission on any purchases you make through our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is native to South Asia, particularly India. It’s a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant — meaning, it grows from underground stems called “rhizomes” and is generally considered to be a grassy or leafy plant. It belongs to the ginger family and is closely related to cardamom and ginger.

Most turmeric plants grow to a height of 2-3 feet and produce large and vibrant green leaves. But, the leaves aren’t the most valuable part of the plant. Instead, what you really want are those underground rhizomes. When fresh, they’re a bright orange-yellow color, which deepens to a golden yellow when dried and powdered.

Some of the key medicinal benefits of turmeric include:

• Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has very potent anti-inflammatory properties. It could help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory disorders.
• Antioxidant: May protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

• Brain health: Studies suggest that curcumin could improve cognitive function, memory, and mood.

• Digestion: Could help digestion by stimulating the production of bile, improving nutrient absorption, and soothing digestive discomfort. It may also help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive issues.
• Skin: Those anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce acne, soothe eczema, and give you a clearer complexion.

And if you love a good curry, you’ve probably tasted turmeric before. It’s a key ingredient in many Indian spice blends such as curry powder and garam masala.

Why Grow Your Own Turmeric Plants

Growing a turmeric plant yourself offers so many benefits — both practical and rewarding! When you grow your own herbs, plants, fruits, and vegetables, you have full control over the process from start to finish. If you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals or pesticides, you don’t have to. You just can’t get that kind of guarantee from the supermarket. Plus, tending your garden is such a great way to reconnect with mindfulness, prayer, and meditation. Growing your own food and herbs is also, quite simply, incredibly satisfying.

Here are a few more reasons why you should consider cultivating turmeric at home:

• Fresh & high-quality: Homegrown turmeric is fresher and often more potent than store-bought.
• So many uses: Make herbal remedies like turmeric paste or golden milk, or add ground turmeric to a variety of recipes.

• More affordable: Turmeric can sometimes be expensive, so you’ll be able to save some money once your plant is well established.

• Health benefits: This powerful plant has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function.

Turmeric plants safety

The American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook classifies turmeric as a Class 2b herb, meaning that while it’s generally safe to use as a food or spice, it may have potential side effects or interactions with certain medications when used in therapeutic doses.

The handbook specifically notes that turmeric should be used with caution by folks with gallstones, stomach ulcers, or hyperacidity. 

Also, as always, consult with your preferred healthcare professional before using turmeric in large amounts especially if you’re a pregnant or nursing mama!

How to Grow a Turmeric Plant

It typically takes about 9-10 months from planting to harvest turmeric, so it’s important to plan accordingly! The ideal time to plant is in the spring after the last frost. This will give your plant enough time to grow and mature before the colder weather sets in. In warmer climates with no frost, you can plant turmeric earlier in the year.

Turmeric thrives in warm and humid climates and prefers bright indirect sunlight. It’s best to avoid direct and intense light as it can scorch the leaves. 

The ideal soil is well-draining and a bit acidic. Aim to use a good potting mix or garden soil with added compost or well-rotted manure to give the turmeric plants the nutrients they need.

How do you plant turmeric: rhizomes or seeds?

The first part of learning how to grow a turmeric plant is to determine whether to start from seeds or not. It’s technically possible to start turmeric from seeds, but we recommend you begin with rhizomes. As a reminder, they’re the underground stem of the turmeric plant, and when planted, quickly develop into new plants. It’s a lot faster (and often more successful!) than using seeds.

Starting turmeric from rhizomes:

1. Be sure to choose plump and healthy rhizomes with multiple growth buds.
2. Check the quality of your soil and add any compost or manure if needed.
3. Plant the rhizomes 2-3 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart, and water thoroughly after planting.
4. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and keep out weeds if you’d like.

Harvesting, Processing, and Using Turmeric

You'll know it's time to harvest your turmeric when the plant's leaves begin to yellow and wither, which is typically in late fall or early winter. This means the rhizomes have matured and are ready for harvest.

Harvesting:

The harvesting process for turmeric plants includes the following steps:

1. Gently dig around the base of the plant to expose the rhizomes.
2. Carefully lift the entire plant, taking care not to damage the rhizomes.
3. Brush off any excess soil from the rhizomes.
4. Use a clean knife to divide the rhizomes into smaller pieces, each with at least one growth bud.

Then, you can use your fresh turmeric immediately, process it, or store it for later.

Processing:

Once harvested, you can process your plant a few different ways. If you’d like to use it fresh (for cooking or to make golden milk), you can simply slice it into the rhizomes like you would fresh ginger. 

To dry it, we recommend slicing the rhizomes and then drying them in a dehydrator, oven, or outside in the sun. When completely dry, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind it into a powder. You can store it in an airtight container like a small glass jar for up to several months.

You could also freeze it for cooking. Slice into smaller pieces, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.

Uses:

Turmeric has been used for centuries in a variety of ways. As mentioned, it’s very popular in Indian dishes, as well as generally in soups, stews, and marinades. It’s also sometimes used to naturally color food.

We most often use it for its medicinal properties. We’ve mentioned golden milk a few times — it’s made with milk, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, and could have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric tea (made by simply steeping ground turmeric in hot water) will have the same effect. It’s also very easy to turn into a paste that can be used topically to treat skin issues. We have also added it to tinctures!

How Do You Plant Turmeric Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow turmeric from a piece of turmeric?

Yes, you can grow turmeric from a piece of turmeric! Cut the rhizome into sections, being careful that each one has a growth bud. Plant in well-draining soul and keep them watered but don’t overdo it. With proper care, your rhizomes will sprout and grow into mature plants that you can harvest and use!

Is turmeric easy to grow?

Yes, turmeric is relatively easy to grow — even more so if you live in a warm climate. It thrives in rich, well-draining soil and needs consistent watering, but if you provide it with adequate sunlight, it should do just fine without a lot of effort.

How do you plant turmeric from seeds?

While you could grow turmeric from seeds, it’s a lot harder and more time-consuming! You need to soak the seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours before planting and germination can take several weeks. The seedlings will be slow to grow too, which is why most people opt to plant rhizomes instead!

Add more Sunshine to Your Life

Now that you know how to grow a turmeric plant, you have everything you need to plant one yourself! With a bit of effort, you’ll have access to fresh turmeric whenever you need it — a major plus if you’re working on building an at-home apothecary. 

Looking for a turmeric monograph? Download our FREE Monograph Template here!

 Learn More About Turmeric & Other Plants

• How to Grow, Harvest, and Use a Star Anise Plant
• How to Plant Roses for Preservation and Production
• How to Make Ginger Tea from Ginger Root: Step-by-Step Guide w/Pictures
• How to Grow, Harvest, and Use a Licorice Root Plant
• Nettle Tea: How to Grow, Harvest and Preserve Nettles
• Top 10 Healing Herbs for the Home Apothecary