Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. It’s also a beautiful plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you’re interested in growing your own turmeric, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easy to propagate. Here’s how to do it:
The first step in propagating turmeric is to get a healthy rhizome. A rhizome is an underground stem that produces roots and shoots. You can purchase turmeric rhizomes from a local nursery or online store.
When selecting a rhizome, choose one that is firm, plump, and has several eyes (buds) on it. Avoid rhizomes that are soft, shriveled, or have mold on them.
Turmeric thrives in well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can prepare the soil by mixing equal parts of compost and sand.
Fill a pot with the soil mixture and moisten it with water. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Plant the turmeric rhizome about 2-3 inches deep in the soil with the buds facing up. Cover the rhizome with soil and water it thoroughly.
Place the pot in a warm and humid location with indirect sunlight. Turmeric prefers temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C).
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can cause root rot, while too little water can stunt growth.
Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen. You can also add organic matter such as compost or aged manure to the soil.
Turmeric plants grow up to 3-4 feet tall and have broad leaves. They require ample space to grow, so make sure to transplant them to a larger pot if needed.
Turmeric plants take about 8-10 months to mature. You can harvest the rhizomes once the leaves start to turn yellow and dry up.
To propagate the plant, gently remove the rhizomes from the soil and separate them into smaller pieces with at least one eye (bud) on each piece. Plant the pieces in individual pots or directly in the ground.
A: Yes, turmeric can be grown indoors as long as it receives sufficient light and humidity.
A: Water your turmeric plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can cause root rot, while too little water can stunt growth.
A: Turmeric plants take about 8-10 months to mature.
A: Yes, you can propagate turmeric from store-bought turmeric as long as it hasn’t been treated with chemicals or irradiated. Look for rhizomes that have several eyes (buds) on them.