How to Grow Turmeric

Choose a planting area that provides full sun to partial shade. For best growth, select an area that provides full morning sun with partial afternoon shade in hotter southern areas, and for cooler northern regions select a location that provides the most sun.

Turn over the soil in the growing area to loosen and aerate the soil to a depth of approximately 12 to 16 inches. Pick out all garden debris such as weeds, roots, sticks or clods of soil.

Mix a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost, aged steer manure, leaf mold or similar type material into the soil to a depth of about 12 to 14 inches. Using an amendment will ensure the turmeric has the best growing environment possible.

Dig a 3-inch-deep trench in the planting area for planting the turmeric rhizomes. If you intend on planting more than one row of rhizomes, space each of the rows about 12 to 14 inches apart.

Plant one turmeric rhizome every 6 to 8 inches. Cover each rhizome with approximately 2 inches of soil.

Water the area generously, ensuring the rhizomes are sufficiently moistened with water. Plan on watering the turmeric regularly throughout the growing season, which is about twice weekly.

Fertilize turmeric about twice a month using a liquid fertilizer. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 12-12-12. Make sure you read the instructions on the label since the amount of fertilizer per gallon of water can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Cut the plants back to ground level if you wish to let them remain in the ground over winter. Do this in the late fall once the plants begin to turn yellow and die back.

Lay out a 3- to 4-inch layer of leaves, straw, or bark for a mulch to protect the turmeric over the winter. A good indication the turmeric is harvest-ready is when the lower leaves turn yellow and the plants begin to wilt and fall over.