What it is
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is in the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger's golden cousin — a tropical rhizome that thrives in Texas heat and shade, dug after the leaves die back.
How to grow it
It wants part shade, water it even, humid, and give it rich, loose soil. Target a soil pH around 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 12 in apart. Expect roughly Harvest 8–10 mo. Tender; grow warm.
How it's used
Turmeric is used: fresh, dried, powdered.
🔎 How to identify it
- Large broad leaves
- Orange-fleshed rhizome
- Likes humidity
Edibility
PartsRhizome
UsesFresh, dried, powdered
CautionStains everything bright yellow.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.