Turmeric

Overview

Turmeric is a leafy perennial that dies back each year and resprouts from its rhizomes. It grows happily in the dappled shade under fruit trees, where its big leaves cover the soil, and gives you a yearly harvest of fresh rhizomes.

History

Turmeric was domesticated in South and Southeast Asia, where it has been used for thousands of years as a spice, a yellow dye, and a medicine.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Likes warm, moist conditions, rich soil, and good drainage.
• Does well in partial shade under trees; tolerates sun with good mulch and water.
• On the dry side, grow it in shade with mulch and supplemental water.

Planting and propagation

• Plant pieces of rhizome with at least one or two buds, about 2 inches deep and 12 inches apart.
• Spring, as the weather warms, is the best time to plant.
• Mulch thickly; shoots can take several weeks to appear.

Care and maintenance

• Keep moist during the growing season and top up mulch.
• Leaves yellow and die back in late fall and winter; that is normal and means the rhizomes are ready.

Role in the guild

Turmeric fills the shady herbaceous layer under banana, breadfruit, or coconut, alongside ginger. Its leaves can be cut and dropped as mulch when they die back.

Harvest

Dig rhizomes after the leaves have died back, usually 8–10 months after planting. Save some of the best pieces to replant, or simply leave part of the clump in the ground.

Uses

• Food: fresh or dried rhizomes in curries, rice, soups, and teas; young leaves are used to wrap and steam food in some cuisines.
• Dye: a strong natural yellow dye. Wear gloves; it stains hands and cloth.
• Soil: dying leaves make mulch.

Problems to watch

• Rhizome rot in soggy soil.
• Use clean planting stock from healthy plants.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.