Turmeric is a bright yellow aromatic powder obtained from the rhizome of a plant of the ginger family, used for flavouring and colouring in Asian cooking and formerly as a fabric dye.
Below is How To Grow Turmeric In South Africa
Tips to Grow Tumeric in South Africa
Turmeric grows about a metre high and has shiny green leaves. Infertile soil, it’ll need little more than a compost mulch after harvesting, and a side dressing of bonemeal and Talborne Organics Vita Grow (2:3:2) in spring.
For the first year, leave it to become established before harvesting. Look out for the exquisite flowers, which form at the base of the leaves in midsummer.
In late autumn it begins to die back, and by the beginning of winter, the leaves will have turned brown and withered. Mulch well with compost and it’ll pop up again in late spring, as soon as the weather is warm enough.
It spreads by growing new rhizomes underground, forming large clumps above ground.
You can also grow turmeric in containers. Make sure that they are at least 30cm deep and don’t let the soil dry out.
Pest and Diseases
In hot dry weather, spider mites can be a problem. Spraying with water mixed with garlic oil will sort them out. In very moist hot weather, fungal diseases can affect the leaves. Spray with 1 part milk to 4 parts water to prevent this.
Haevesting
Once established, you can harvest pieces of the root off the side of the plant throughout summer. In late autumn or early winter, once the leaves have died down, push a fork deep into the ground under a section of the plant and lift the rhizomes. Cut the stems off and place the rhizomes on a hessian sack. Give them a good wash with a hose on a high-pressure setting, turning and rubbing to remove all the soil. They’ll keep, refrigerated, for three to four weeks. If you need to keep them longer, cut them into manageable pieces and freeze them in an air-tight container.
How long does turmeric take to grow in South Africa
seven to 10 monthsTurmeric takes seven to 10 months from planting to harvest.
To figure out when you should plant, count back 10 months from when you usually get your first frost in the fall.