Bright orange turmeric rhizomes ready to cook with—or plant.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and an exotic tropical herb that we love to grow and use. Though we refer to the underground parts as “roots”—and they do have botanical roots—the parts we desire to consume are underground stems called rhizomes. 

Growing basics

• Subtropical or tropical plants must be brought indoors for winter before temperatures drop below 50⁰F
• Hardiness zones 7 to 11; foliage will die back in winter
• Full sun to part shade 
• Prefers adequate moisture during the growing season, though must be well-drained soil
• Sandy-loam, neutral to alkaline soil; pH 5.5 to 6.5
• Turmeric’s growing season is 10 months. Fingers can be dug for fresh use anytime.

Cultivation and propagation 

Turmeric has clusters or “hands” that are rhizomorphous. These are thickened, modified underground stems, which produce roots below and shoots aboveground. Home gardeners can purchase turmeric “seed” online from garden catalogs or may occasionally find nursery-grown plants. Tissue-cultured seed is preferred by many because it is disease free. 

Planting turmeric “fingers” or seeds

Fresh turmeric rhizomes sold in produce markets are the fastest, though not the safest, propagation stock to obtain. The danger is that field-grown rhizomes can be infected with microscopic nematodes or fungal diseases, such as Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia species, as well as bacterial wilt (Ralstonia sp.). Tina started her first plants from the produce market and had success. If you decide to use produce market rhizomes, select those that are firm, plump, and free of wrinkles, soft spots, and mold. After soaking the rhizomes in water to remove any growth inhibitors, plant according to the directions provided below.

Plant dormant rhizomes indoors at any time. Propagate new plants by division. Snap single “fingers” from turmeric “hands,” leaving a few of the smallest fingers on the large, main piece. Allow the severed tissue to scab over by placing fingers on racks with good air circulation for several days. Plant the fingers on top of growing medium with the growth buds facing up. Then, cover with the growing medium 1- to 2-inches deep. 

Growing plants in captivity—they do well in containers.

To force growth, place the potted rhizomes on a thermostat-regulated heat mat or other consistently warm surface. Maintain high humidity with mist. Turmeric requires 86⁰F and sprouts within 31 days.  After the buds sprout, remove the plants from the heat mat and keep them above 50⁰F, with strong light, until all danger of frost has passed. In our experience, forcing is not necessary. Potted turmeric will sit indoors, seemingly devoid of life during winter months and then send up strong green shoots in late spring. In zones 6 and 7, new leaves appear by the end of May. 

We carry over plants from year to year. In early winter, the healthiest rhizomes that are free of any rot are selected for next year’s crop. The hands are divided and transplanted into fresh, dry potting medium to cure. They remain dry and dormant in a cool, dark area that remains a constant 50° to 57°F until early March. At that time, we begin to water the pots.

Turmeric growing in Ozark Folk Center Heritage Herb Garden, Mountain View, AR, under shade cloth to protect from hot summer sun.

Wait to move the plants outside until after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature is above 50⁰F. Plant the fingers one foot apart so that new growth has room to expand. Turmeric can be grown in large pots with humus-rich, peat or wood bark-based potting medium, with compost added or coco coir medium. Garden soil must have excellent drainage and be well-drained, weed-free, consistently moist, and be rich in organic matter. Plant-based mulch or hilling with soil will retain moisture and suppress weed competition. 

Protect the plants from high winds. Turmeric shoots love high humidity and filtered sun. However, according to studies at North Carolina State University, rhizome production is increased by full sun though the leaves will likely display burned spots. Online image searches illustrate that these plants are grown in both full sun and shade.

Harvesting and preserving

Lucie Day holding just-harvested turmeric plant at Harbinger Farm, Myrtle Creek, Oregon.

Lush leaves will stand through the summer and the plants may bloom. Then, as light hours shorten and temperatures get cooler in the fall, the tops begin to turn yellow and wither. Before outside night temperatures fall below 55°F, bring the plants in from the garden to a sunny window. After the leaves have died completely, it is time to harvest baby rhizomes for replanting and for use. To use in the kitchen, wash them thoroughly, air dry and then store in a paper bag in the crisper of the refrigerator. Do not seal them in plastic bags as this encourages mold and will spoil the crop.

For longer storage, turmeric rhizomes can be frozen whole or grated and stored in containers. Susan has also grated the just-harvested rhizomes and added oil just to cover and frozen them in small freezer containers—she uses organic coconut oil—and scoops out a spoonful as needed for golden milk, curry, soup, etc.

Join Tina Marie and Susan for their upcoming webinar: Turmeric, Herb of the Year 2026 this Thursday, January 22 at 1pm Eastern. Turmeric has steadily been building in popularity over recent years due to its amazing health attributes—especially its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s a wonderful exotic tropical herb that they love to grow and use. In this webinar, they will share their experience cultivating and harvesting turmeric, preserving and cooking with these amazing, colorful and flavorful rhizomes, as well as some of their favorite remedies and recipes.

Our webinars are free to The Herb Society of America members and are available for viewing after signing into the Member Login page. Webinars are $20.00 for guests. Register by clicking here. Become a member today, and enjoy all of our webinars for free along with access to the webinar library with over fifty program titles.