Turmeric Plant (Curcuma longa)

Known for its culinary flavor and healing properties, this vibrantly colored root spice is native to southeast India and a member of the ginger family. The leaves have an upright growth habit reaching 3’ tall in a container. The aromatic rhizomes that produce the turmeric grow underground. Turmeric needs a sunny warm exposure during the summer growing season to thrive. In areas that experience winter, plants should be brought inside before freezing and the foliage allowed to die back to the soil level for its winter dormancy. During this time, it is important to keep the soil dry. Turmeric rhizomes can be dug any time after dormancy. This spice is well known for its immune enhancing properties; it’s an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is also a mainstay in culinary dishes like curries and many Indian and South Asian foods.