How to grow Turmeric in New Zealand
Turmeric is a tropical relative of ginger, grown for its bright orange rhizomes, which are far better fresh than dried. It is grown the same way as ginger: plant rhizomes in spring when the soil is warm and dig them eight to ten months later when the leaves yellow and die back. It needs the warmth of the north, or a large pot in a sheltered spot further south.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Turmeric in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to December | |
| Auckland | September to December | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October and November | Plant rhizomes Oct to Nov once the frosts are over, in a warm sheltered spot. Coastal Bay of Plenty suits turmeric best; inland, grow it in a large pot. |
| Central North Island | Not suited | Too cold outdoors. Grow it in a pot indoors or in a heated glasshouse. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October and November | Marginal. Plant rhizomes Oct to Nov in a warm sheltered spot or a large pot, and lift them before winter. Expect small harvests. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October and November | Marginal. Plant rhizomes Oct to Nov in a warm sheltered spot or a large pot, and lift them before the May frosts. Expect small harvests. |
| Canterbury | Not suited | Too cold outdoors. Grow it in a pot indoors or in a heated glasshouse. |
| Otago & Southland | Not suited | Too cold outdoors. Grow it in a pot indoors or in a heated glasshouse. |
| Central Otago | Not suited | Too cold outdoors. Grow it in a pot indoors or in a heated glasshouse. |
Not to be confused with: Ginger, a close relative grown the same way, with pale, spicy rhizomes.
Where to plant
Turmeric likes a warm spot in full sun to light shade, sheltered from harsh afternoon sun in the hottest areas. It needs free-draining soil rich in organic matter, and it rots in waterlogged ground. In cooler districts, a large pot in the warmest sheltered spot or a glasshouse works best.
- Northland and Auckland: plant rhizomes in September and October in the garden.
- Coastal Bay of Plenty: plant in October and November once the frosts are over. Inland, grow it in a large pot.
- Wellington and Nelson: marginal. Plant in October or November in a warm, sheltered spot or a large pot, and lift the rhizomes before winter or the May frosts. Expect small harvests.
- Central North Island, Canterbury, Otago and Southland: too cold outdoors. Grow it in a pot indoors or in a heated glasshouse.
How to plant
- Choose plump, fresh rhizomes with small buds, from a garden centre or greengrocer.
- Sprout them first in a warm, moist spot if you like, then plant about 5 cm deep with the buds facing up.
- Dig compost and sheep pellets into the bed, or use a container mix in pots.
- Water in, then keep the soil lightly moist until shoots appear.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moist during dry periods while the plants are growing, but avoid overwatering, as turmeric does not like waterlogged soil. Feed every few weeks through summer with a liquid fertiliser. Reduce watering as the leaves die back in autumn.
Pruning and care through the year
- Mulch to keep the soil warm and moist.
- Every three years or so, in September or October, dig up and divide established clumps.
- In marginal areas, lift the rhizomes before the cold sets in, or move pots under cover.
Harvesting
Turmeric is ready about eight to ten months after planting, when the leaves yellow and die back. Dig the clump carefully with a fork, shake off the soil and trim the leaves and roots. Wear gloves, as the rhizomes stain hands and everything else. Keep some plump pieces to replant in spring. Fresh rhizomes keep for a few weeks in the fridge and freeze well.
Growing in pots
Turmeric grows well in a large pot of free-draining container mix, which can be moved to the warmest spot in summer and under cover for winter. Water regularly in summer but never let the pot stand in water.
Varieties
- Common Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Companion planting
Turmeric suits the same warm, sheltered bed as other tropical root crops.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Turmeric has few problems apart from rot in cold, wet soil.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Small insects on the young leaves.
Diseases to watch for
Common questions
Can I grow turmeric from the supermarket?
Yes, if the rhizomes are plump and fresh with visible buds. Sprout them in a warm, moist place and plant them in spring once the soil is warm.
When do I harvest turmeric?
About eight to ten months after planting, when the leaves yellow and die back. Dig the rhizomes with a fork and wear gloves, as they stain.
Can I grow turmeric in the South Island?
Not outdoors. Grow it in a large pot indoors or in a heated glasshouse.
Why did my turmeric rot?
It was planted into cold or waterlogged soil. Wait until the soil is warm, use a free-draining mix, and water less as the plant dies back in autumn.
Does turmeric flower?
Yes. Established clumps left undisturbed for a year or more can produce attractive white flowers among the tropical foliage.
Sources we checked: Kings Plant Barn: Turmeric grow well guide; Daltons: Growing ginger.