Turmeric
Curcuma longa
- Days to harvest
- 240–300 days
- Sunlight
- 5–7 hours/day
- Watering
- 1–1 per day
- Plant spacing
- 20 cm
- Minimum container size
- 30cm deep × 35cm wide
- Container-friendly
- 2 plants per container
- Estimated yield
- 100 kg / 100m²
- Life span
- perennial
Climate Requirements
- Ideal temperature
- 25-32 °C
- Annual rainfall
- 1500-2500 mm
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Heat tolerance
- moderate
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
Soil & Planting
Planting method
Direct seeding or transplanting
Soil requirements
Well-drained fertile soil
Companion Plants
- Gingerstrong
Identical cultivation requirements; interplanting creates a nematode-suppressive zone in soil through combined curcumin/gingerol root exudates
- Bananamoderate
Banana provides necessary shade and windbreak; turmeric ground cover reduces banana soil moisture evaporation
- Galangalmoderate
Galangal antimicrobial root exudates benefit turmeric soil health; compatible Zingiberaceae companions
Plants to Avoid Nearby
- Cassava
Same competitive root conflict as with ginger — cassava's aggressive horizontal root spread mechanically disrupts turmeric rhizome development
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests
Safety Notes
Related to ginger — similar disease management. Handle fresh turmeric with gloves as it stains skin yellow. Organic cultivation preferred. Minimal pest pressure when grown in healthy soil with good drainage.
Market Demand
Growing health food demand
Regional Notes
Suitable for Malaysian urban gardens
Sources
- Malaysian Herb Growing Guide — MARDI · Last reviewed: 2024-06-15
Category: Root Vegetables