In New Zealand, the cultivation and harvesting of high-quality turmeric (Curcuma longa) are highly sought. Turmeric’s well-known health advantages are a significant factor. As a bonus, it tastes great and has an eye-catching golden colour. In 2021, the value of turmeric exports in New Zealand was USD 13.44K. Fresh turmeric has a milder flavour than dried turmeric, with a more pronounced aroma and a more distinct flavour. The availability of fresh turmeric in NZ is unpredictable, so growing your own is a good idea if you can’t get it quickly.
What’s the best place to begin?
Turmeric has been produced in New Zealand by ethnic Indians, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani gardeners for many years despite its novelty as a food crop. Turmeric belongs to the Zingiberaceae family of plants, like most gingers. It is best to grow turmeric in pots, which may be brought inside when the plant is dormant during the winter months.
Tiny ginger roots with bright orange meat that shines through their brown skins are the rhizomes of fresh turmeric. Consider purchasing the biggest, least shrivelled turmeric root you can locate. Keep them in a warm, dry spot away from direct sunlight until shoots grow. A few weeks of this may be necessary to prevent the roots from decaying before they have a chance to develop. As the foliage goes down in the fall, it’s good to plant two batches; one for harvesting in late autumn and one for generating roots for the following year.
A Turmeric Garden
A large container is needed since this plant may grow enormous! Ideally, the pot should be 12-18 inches broad and at least 12 inches deep. Plant just one or two rhizomes per container. The rhizomes should be planted in spring or summer when temperatures reach at least 12 degrees Celsius.
Break up a large rhizome into smaller pieces. ‘ There must be at least three buds on each piece. Fill a container (or follow the same methods if planting directly in the ground) with organic soil that is damp yet well-drained. When planting, bury the rhizome parts 2 inches below ground level with the buds pointing upward.
Douse the container with water. You should maintain your turmeric plant in partial light in warmer regions, whereas in cold regions, you should expose it completely under the sun. Keep the soil wet and water your Turmeric crop often. Bring your turmeric plant inside if the temperature drops below 12 degrees Celsius. When digging out rhizomes that have been planted in the ground, be cautious. Use an all-purpose fertiliser once a month.
Turmeric Harvest
■ In 8-9 months, your turmeric rhizomes will be ready for harvest.
■ It’s ripe when the leaves turn yellow and the stems begin to dry.
■ Remove the whole plant from the ground, taking care not to damage the roots.
■ Everything that you don’t utilise may be replanted.
Final Thoughts
There are no viable seeds in turmeric since it has been so highly bred. Rhizome division is the only method of proliferation. Use a garden fork to gently remove the plants from the ground towards the end of the growth season (usually in the fall). Rhizomes may be separated into sections with three or four “eyes” (new growth sites). These may be replanted in the ground in warm areas so that you can successfully harvest turmeric in NZ. Keep the plants warm until they are firmly established in pots or trays of premium potting mix. After that, they’re ready for planting.