How to grow Turmeric in Australia
Plant rhizomes in part shade in rich, moist, well drained soil in a warm spot. Keep the soil consistently moist through active growth and feed regularly.
At a glance
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 270 days
- Time to germinate: 30 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | August to November | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | August to November | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | August to October | Pre-sprout indoors Aug; plant Oct in warm shelter; dies down winter; marginal tropical. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Requires 8 to 10 frost-free months. Melbourne (5 months warm max) cannot mature crop. Must lift and store. |
| Adelaide & SA | September and October | Marginal. Plant rhizomes Sep to Oct in pots in the warmest spot and bring under cover in winter. Harvests are light next to the subtropics. |
| Perth & WA | August and September | Plant Aug to Sep. Turmeric needs the whole warm season to bulk up and dies back in winter cold. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Needs 8 to 10 frost-free warm months. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Turmeric unsuitable for Canberra: tropical rhizome; frost-intolerant; requires warmth and humidity. Not viable. |
| North Queensland | August to November | Dry season Aug to Nov. Turmeric is tropical staple rhizome. Plant Aug to Nov for wet-season establishment. |
| Darwin & Top End | August to November | Dry season Aug to Nov. Turmeric is tropical staple rhizome. Plant Aug to Nov for wet-season establishment. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Rhizomes are ready once the leaves yellow and the stems flop down. Dig the whole clump and lift the rhizomes, saving a few firm pieces to replant.