Plant of the Month

Plant of the Month: August 2024

Turmeric

Curcuma longa L.

= C. domestica (Medik.) Val.

ZINGIBERACEÆ; Ginger Family

A common health problem is inflamation. The Turmeric plant is used as a colorful, flavorful spice, but also is anti-inflamatory. Turmeric roots can be bought at a grocery store, planted in a pot, and grown as a houseplant --just like with common Ginger, a related plant. This month I show you with 7 photos that my trial doing so in Seattle, was less than a full success.

Turmeric is a sterile triploid, not known wild, but from SW India; it is cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical regions. At least 3 other Curcuma species are also called Turmeric sometimes:

C. aromatica Salisb.

= C. Zedoaria Rxb. 1810, non (Christm.) Rosc. 1807

(Wild Turmeric. Yellow or Long Zedoary)

C. australasica Hk. fil.

(Cape York Lily. Cape York Turmeric)

C. Zedoaria (Christm.) Rosc. 1807, non Rxb. 1810

(Long or Round Zedoary. Cochin Turmeric. Rose Turmeric)

Some other species such as C. zanthorrhiza (xanthorrhiza) Rxb. are used to adulterate true turmeric powder.

All 167 Curcuma species are tropical Asian rhizomatous perennial plants, with new species being described often, especially in Thailand. Their rhizomes (underground stems) and tuberous roots contain starch which can be extracted as a food source. Young tender green shoots, rhizomes and floral clusters of some species are eaten as vegetables. Most grow in shade in the wild; they cannot survive waterlogged soil. Frost knocks them back. They need warmth, and atmospheric humidity.

The common Turmeric is also called Yellow Root, Yellow Ginger, Indian Saffron, and Himalayan Saffron.

Turmeric is mentioned in the Atharva Veda of 1000 - 1500 B.C., a holy treatise of the Hindus. Its rhizomes are used as a spice/flavor/colorant used in curry powder, chicken bouillon, sauces, gravies, dry seasonings, baking mixes, processed cheese, pickles, relishes, breading, soups, beverages and confections. Also eaten are tender young shoots and the floral clusters. Medicinal properties include: anti-inflammatory, hypocholestraemic, choleratic, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antibacterial, antiviral, cytotoxic, spasmolytic, antidiabetic, antivenomous, antiseptic, antitoxic, anti-HIV, anti-Alzheimer's.

Turmeric grows about 3 to 5 feet tall. Its bright green, narrow leaves are 4 to 28 inches long. If the plant is hurt by dryness the leaf tips die. It performs best in rich, well-drained soil.

The rhizome flesh is an eye-catching orange-yellow. Some clones yellower, others oranger. They also vary in flavor. Eating much turns one's teeth yellowish. Most turmeric powder sold in the USA is contaminated with high lead levels. So it is safer to buy whole rhizomes, then slice or grind them yourself.

Here is how I grew Turmeric as a houseplant: First, in July 2021, I planted rhizomes shallowly in a deep pot. To keep the soil moist I covered the pot with plastic wrap. By September, the green shoots popped up through the plastic. By December, the plants were big, but the dry air in my Seattle residence, caused leaf tip dieback. I let the plants grow all though 2022, and finally harvested them in May 2023. So, after almost 2 entire years of growing, I obtained about an ounce of rhizomes. But had planted about an ounce in the first place, so made no net gain. If growing it again, I will use a shallower pot (their roots did not go very deep), fertilize the plants more to increase growth, and try a different clone. Though Turmeric plants are not attractive enough to grow for their ornamental appeal only, it is a privilege that you or I can grow a major world spice in our living rooms, easily, albeit imperfectly.

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