How to Grow Turmeric Indoors Successfully

Knowing how to grow turmeric indoors provides fresh access to Curcuma longa, a tropical plant cousin of ginger that does surprisingly well indoors. I have been developing these beauties for years, and their lush, green leaves add a vibrant touch of life to any area while producing organic turmeric roots. Not only do you save on supplements, but you also have a sense of accomplishment from growing your own spices.

Your best friend during the 8-10 month journey from sowing to harvest is PATIENCE. The first shoots test your patience, but with the golden roots you will harvest, it's worth the wait! This guide will cover everything and anything from choice of variety to planting methods, to care advice for success in indoor growing.

Turmeric's first dormancy is a test of patience as rhizomes can take 3-8 weeks to awaken. This dormancy period is a natural resting period and is dependent on soil temperature, which I tend to as needed. Maintain warm temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24-29°C), and use indirect heat if necessary to add consistent bottom heat and get things going. Cooler temperatures can prolong the period of dormancy, while warmer temperatures induce strong and rapidly growing shoots.

Follow the development of leaves for signals of what is happening underground. Every new leaf is another sign of rhizome expansion below the soil. My plants exhibit this phenomenon, and the foliage becomes larger as the roots grow stronger. The growth above ground will indicate that underground success is unfolding.

Harvest readiness can be determined by approximately 8-10 months of age, when the leaves naturally turn yellow and dry out. A clear color change indicates the rhizomes have reached peak maturity. I also check the stems, as they thicken just above the soil line when the roots are ready to emerge. Both of these visual cues indicate that a golden harvest is likely to be found in your garden.

Keep fresh turmeric strategically preserved to maximize its curcumin content. I have found the easiest way to be to refrigerate your unpeeled whole roots, wrapped in a paper towel, and then replace the towel every week to absorb moisture. Alternatively, you can air-dry your turmeric by hanging the rhizomes in a warm, dry place for two weeks. Refrigeration will keep your turmeric ready for use at all times, while drying it creates storage for longer-term use.

To create your own powder, slice your roots into 1/8" thick slices, and dehydrate at 110 degrees for 8-12 hours until it becomes brittle. A thickness of 1/8" will avoid scorching and is just thick enough to remove the moisture that molds will thrive in. I use a dehydrator for this purpose, but you could also use your oven on the lowest setting.

Fresh turmeric stands out in smoothies and curries; grate it into your dish. Powder works better in baked goods and spice blends. I use fresh for my golden milk and powder for my turmeric lattes. Each works well, but fresh has a more powerful taste.

Yellow leaves indicate overwatering, which is probably the most common problem I see. Moist, soggy soil suffocates the roots, preventing them from taking in oxygen. Test your soil moisture before watering by sticking your finger in about an inch deep at the base of the plant. If your finger feels damp, wait until the soil is arid. You can also add perlite to your potting soil to improve drainage and prevent the issue from recurring.

Slow sprouting typically indicates that the temperature is not warm enough, less than 75°F (24°C). Place pots on heat mats to raise the soil temperature. I've rescued several rhizomes in this manner. Prevent this by pre-sprouting pieces. Before planting, always check the soil temperature with a thermometer placed near the ground.

Rhizomes that are not able to rot represent the cool, moist conditions below 60°F (16°C). Remove them immediately and repot into fresh potting soil. Improve air circulation around the plants. Avoid this in the future by watering only when the top layer of soil feels dry and by spacing plants to allow for proper airflow.

Turmeric has specific temperature considerations at different stages of its growth cycle. For sprouting, maintain a temperature of 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C) with heat mats placed underneath the pots. After the leaves emerge from the soil, reduce it to 65 to 80°F (18 to 27°C). I generally keep a thermometer in my planting area, which helps me monitor the temperature and adjust for seasonal changes.

Light is not an area to compromise. Provide full light (10,000-20,000 lux) or 6-8 hours of bright indirect light daily. South-facing windows are best, or provide full-spectrum grow lights. I rotate weekly for uniform exposure. Insufficient light leads to weak stems or small rhizomes.

Monthly, feed plants with organic types of feed, such as worm castings, rather than chemical. Either mix a tablespoon into the topsoil or brew casting tea. Limit watering to once a month, during winter dormancy, and reduce light to 4 hours. I protect the roots from cold drafts.

Begin with plump rhizomes that exhibit 3-5 buds and avoid bruised or damaged ones. I collect organic stock and use a clean knife to cut segments approximately 2 inches in size. Air-dry the cuts overnight to reduce the risk of rot. Bruised rhizomes are susceptible to disease, so take care when handling them.

Mix 3 parts potting mix, 1 part compost, and 1 part coconut coir to create the soil because coconut coir is a sustainable alternative to peat. Use 12-inch-deep containers, filling the bottom of each with 2 inches of drainage gravel. Place the segments into the soil 2-4 inches deep, with the buds facing up, and space them 6 inches apart.

After planting, lightly water to settle the soil without disturbing the rhizomes. Cover the pots with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Place the covered pots in a warm location , I maintain temperatures between 75°F and 85°F. I check daily for moisture, but take off the cover as soon as I see the first sprouts.

Select turmeric types based on your desired outcomes. Mild yellow turmeric is perfect for cooking and easy for a beginner to grow. Medicinal black turmeric has potent medicinal qualities, but requires expert growing. I suggest yellow for new growers because it can withstand minor growing errors. Medicinal turmeric needs exact conditions.

Difficulty in growing varies significantly across varieties. Yellow types do well in standard indoor conditions. Red turmeric requires high humidity of ~70% and higher temperatures. White turmeric requires a strict pH. I put labels on pots because the leaves have subtle differences when they mature.

Before planting, identify types. Yellow has robust orange-gold rhizomes. Black consists of dark blue insides. Red has dark purple pigmented stalks. White has light cream colored roots. I always check the color of rhizomes when I buy them. The differences in the foliage will become apparent later, so it is crucial to observe the roots first.

The three essential components of indoor turmeric success are, without a doubt; warm temperatures, excellent drainage, and impatient care. For your first effort, use only yellow varieties, which will excuse a newbie's errors while developing baseline skills. I started with yellow turmeric too, learning firsthand how the warmth of the soil either allows or disallows sprouting.

When you store your harvest appropriately, it becomes kitchen gold. You can refrigerate the roots for fresh grating into curries, or dry them for powdered turmeric. I personally use fresh turmeric in different ways, depending on the specific form; fresh turmeric is used in salads and for fresh cooking, whereas powdered turmeric is used in teas and baked goods. Similar to how every rhizome can be used, every rhizome can be stored for the highest potential.

Your turmeric adventure doesn't stop with harvesting. In the following season, experiment with propagating divisions from the healthiest of your plants. Once you feel confident with that, move on to red varieties. Each growing season strengthens your relationship with this fascinating plant. You are only one yellow rhizome away from starting your indoor gardening journey.