If you’re looking for instructions on how to grow Curcuma plant in your yard or greenhouse, you’ve come to the right place. Curcuma plants (also known as turmeric) belong to the family of Zingiberaceae, the same family that ginger belongs in. Even though it doesn’t produce ginger, Curcuma makes a beautiful ornamental in the UK garden, and when cared for the proper way, you can enjoy the beauty of your Curcuma plant all year long.
Plants belonging to the genus Curcuma are typically easy to grow and care for as many of them have similar needs. The two most common types of Curcuma plants are Curcuma longa, also known as the “common turmeric”, and Curcuma zedoaria, or the “white turmeric”. The roots of the Curcuma longa often used to produce the golden spice turmeric.
Growing Curcuma Plants Successfully
When planning to grow Curcuma, you have to make sure that you use nutrient-rich soil constantly moist. You must also keep in mind that these plants need to get a lot of sunlight. In most parts of the United Kingdom, turmeric plants strive best when placed indoors during the entire winter season. Once the weather becomes warmer, and the frost goes away, you can put your turmeric back outside to enjoy the sunlight. Here are some of the essential considerations you need to keep in mind when planning Curcuma in your British garden or greenhouse:
Preparations
To start the process of planting turmeric, you have to obtain bare rhizomes of established turmeric plants. You can easily find some at the local farmer’s market or from plant nurseries in your locality. Usually, rhizomes with many bumps or buds on their sides are the best ones to use for planting.
Curcuma or turmeric plants take about ten months to grow, beginning from planting to harvest. When determining the time to plant, you have to count ten months before the first frost appears in the autumn. For instance, if the first frost usually happens in mid-October in your UK area, you’ll probably have to start planting between December to March.
Soil type
Curcuma strives best in well-draining soils. For this reason, be sure to use well-draining soils mixed with compost or humus when planting your turmeric plants. The organic matter you’ll add to the soil will provide additional microbes that could be beneficial for the growth and propagation of your Curcuma plant.
It’s also important to avoid overwatering your plants as this could turn your curcuma’s leaves yellow. Once in a while (about 5 to 7 days), dip your finger in the soil to feel its moisture; if it’s dry down for about 1 ½ inch, water the plant immediately to avoid drying.
Light and temperature
Curcuma plants thrive best in warm areas in the UK, where they can receive full sun. They usually thrive in temperatures ranging from 68°F to 95°F. During extreme summer conditions, the soil of your Curcuma plant could quickly dry out; that’s why it’s essential to check it now, and then so you can provide water and avoid plant dehydration.
During the winter seasons, it’s common for temperatures in some parts of the United Kingdom drop below 50°F. As a result, your Curcuma plants could suffer. In this case, it’s better to bring them indoors or transfer them in a mini polytunnel if you have one.
Planting
When planting your Curcuma, it’s better to start sprouting your rhizomes in a separate small container. Once you have your rhizome, divide it into sections while ensuring that each section has at least 2 to 3 buds. With the prepared soil, lay your rhizome flat on it, then cover it with more potting soil before adding water to it.
Once your rhizomes are in place, cover the containers with clear plastic and place them in an area where the temperature is warm (ideally around 90°F). Placing your Curcuma plants in a colder place will lead to slow sprouting, or sometimes, sprouting may not even happen. For best results, place your containers inside a polytunnel where you can regulate the temperature.
When your Curcuma plant has grown and is around 6 to 8 inches tall, the next step is to transplant it to another more enormous container or pot. Transplanting will give it a larger surface and make sure that it will have more to grow into.
Benefits of Using a Mini Polytunnel for Your Curcuma Plant
Curcuma plants strive best in a warm environment. If you live in the UK area where the nights are constantly cool or the winter season could bring about extreme drops in the temperature, one way to make sure that your Curcuma plant survives the harsh weather conditions is to place it inside a greenhouse.
Here are the main benefits of having a mini greenhouse:
Benefit #1. You can grow your plants in an ideal growing environment
You can have complete control of the internal environment. Control allows you to manipulate the temperature and humidity levels that your plants get exposed to. If your plants need extra warmth, you can quickly provide this need by using heating mats.
Benefit #2. You get to grow more for more extended periods
Growing your favourite plants in a mini polytunnel lead to greater yields, as well as high-quality crops. Since a mini polytunnel allows you to garden non-stop regardless of the weather outside, you can easily extend growing seasons for your crops.
Benefit #3. You can protect your plants from inclement weather and pests
Since the mini polytunnel serves as a protective layer between your plants and the external environment, you can rest easy knowing that they will stay protected from harsh weather conditions, as well as destructive pests and animals that may put all of your gardening efforts in the United Kingdom to waste.
Learn How to Grow Curcuma Plant the Easiest Way
Curcuma or turmeric plants offer more than just beauty to your UK garden. You can also harvest the roots and turn them into turmeric powder which you can use for various purposes, such as cooking or making tea. Now that you know how to grow Curcuma plant try to do so in mini polytunnels to have an unlimited supply of turmeric at your disposal.