Here's an easy way to grow turmeric in pots, which you can do yourself at home.
1. Choose a pot
For growing turmeric in pots, choose a large pot as turmeric can easily exceed 1 meter in height.
The pot should be at least 12 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide, so the plant can spread its tubers freely. Plant a turmeric rhizome or two in such a pot.
2. Planting turmeric
For those of you who are in Indonesia, turmeric can be grown all year round. As for those of you who live in the subtropics, the best season for growing turmeric is spring or summer when the temperature starts to stay above 12 degrees Celsius.
- Once you get the turmeric rhizome, follow the planting steps below.
- Break the large rhizome into small pieces, each of which should have at least two or three buds.
- Fill the pot with moist, well-drained organic soil.
- Place about 2 inches (5 cm) below soil level, with the buds facing up.
- Water the pot thoroughly.
The appearance of the turmeric plant is similar to that of ginger, requiring a warm and humid climate to thrive.
3. Position
The position of the turmeric plant must be protected from the wind. In the tropics, this plant grows in dappled shade and does not like direct sunlight all day long.
However, temperate climates, provide full sun for optimal growth, some shade in the afternoon can be an option.
4. Cultivated Land
turmeric in light soil and loam rich in organic matter. Use well-drained soil otherwise, the plant will suffer.
5. Watering
Watering requirements are similar to ginger. Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Regularly water the plants to keep the soil moist.
6. Fertilizer
Fertilize turmeric plants monthly with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the growing season. The application of manure or compost also helps.
7. Trimming
Turmeric plants should not be pruned. You can simply remove dry leaves regularly.
8. Pests and diseases
Turmeric plants are not susceptible to serious diseases or pests. However, red spider mites and scales can be a problem.
The most common diseases are rhizome rot and leaf spot.
Rot appears when the plant is planted in waterlogged soil.
Therefore, it is important to plant turmeric in well-draining soil.
9. Harvest
Turmeric plants take 8 to 10 months to be harvested. Harvesting is done after the leaves turn yellow and the stems begin to dry. Harvesting turmeric is not difficult, just dig up the whole plant including the roots. Cut the required amount and then replant the remaining parts to get new plants growing.